Celts joy as Roberts is given green light for final

PATRICK ROBERTS will be able to play for Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final after opting out of England’s Under-20 World Cup squad. The winger, on loan from Manchester City, had been at the centre of a club versus country tug-of-war due to a clash of dates around the May 27 Hampden meeting with Aberdeen. Roberts was a key player for England during their qualification process to reach the tournament in South Korea, which begins on May 20. While FIFA cannot force clubs to release players for the competition, talks were held between Celtic, City and the FA over what would be best for the 20-year-old’s development. And Roberts last night expressed delight that he was able to pursue his preferred option of helping Brendan Rodgers’ side in their bid to land the last leg of a Treble. ‘I have enjoyed my time with Celtic immensely and from day one at the club, it has felt like home,’ said the ex-Fulham player, who first moved to Parkhead in January 2016. ‘It is a special place and it has been a privilege to be part of

the success we have enjoyed. We have had a brilliant season so far and in such a special year for the club, I want to be part of everything here. ‘It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and now I will focus on continuing to do all I can for Celtic. I spoke to the gaffer and this is just something I really wanted to do. ‘I have a great relationship with everyone around the England squad and I wish all the other lads, the management and backroom team the very best for the World Cup in South Korea.’ Meanwhile, Celtic are ready to give teenage winger Michael Johnston a taste of first-team involvement and ward off interest from Chelsea. Johnston and fellow 18-year-old Anthony Ralston, a full-back who already has made two senior appearances, could feature in today’s squad to face St Johnstone at Parkhead. Rodgers is keen to rest some of his key players in the build-up to the cup final, with Mikael Lustig given time off this week alongside suspended captain Scott Brown. That could open the way for Johnston — who has a year left on his Celtic contract — to earn a first-team debut over the remaining four Premiership matches. Chelsea have been scouting the youngster, named man-of-thematch in last week’s Youth Cup Final win over Rangers. Stoke and Derby have also made regular checks on his progress but Rodgers insists he will always look to promote Celtic’s best academy players. ‘Some of the young boys will get involved at the weekend,’ he said. ‘I have always given young players a chance. There is only one thing about youth — it is timing. ‘This season it has been difficult because of the level the players have been playing at. But some will get their opportunity.’ After the success of Roberts’ 18-month stint, Rodgers would be keen to land the winger if Manchester City let him move on this summer. ‘If there is a possibility that Patrick is coming back as a permanent player, I would definitely take him,’ said Rodgers. ‘It is about his career path. He is 20 and you would want that to continue. It certainly wouldn’t harm Pat to come here for the next two or three years and just continue that development.’