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The whole PR7 fanfare that greeted Patrick Roberts’ return to Celtic now seems a distant memory.
Getting the Manchester City winger back to Parkhead on loan was viewed as a coup for Brendan Rodgers.
It ignited a fervour among fans who had been mesmerised for 18 months by the 21-year- old’s ability.
There was huge expectation on Roberts’ shoulders, not only to deliver in the Premiership but in Europe too.
Through no fault of his own he has been unable to keep his side of the bargain.
Roberts found it tough to deal with his four months of hamstring hell.
He was forced to sit in the stand for vital Champions and Europa League games, powerless to help his manager or showcase his talent.
But Roberts’ comeback might just have come at the right time for Brendan Rodgers and Celtic.
As they close in on a potential double Treble, with two crunch Old Firm clashes on the horizon, the wideman is back and raring to go.
He has declared himself ready for this afternoon’s Ibrox showdown and a domestic run-in where the Hoops can write more history.
Roberts admits it has been difficult to be on the outside looking in, especially with his loan from City expiring in the summer.
But feeling fit and fresh, he’s determined to make an impact against Gers today and in the rest of the campaign.
He said: “I’m fit, healthy and looking forward to the Old Firm game.
“The injury took quite a long time to clear up so it was just about getting myself back in top condition.
“Hopefully I’m at that point now and can kick on.
“Initial ly, I wasn’t too worried – I thought it was the same injury as I ’ d had previously that only kept me out for a few weeks. “But when I learned it was worse, I felt disappointed and upset. “I got quite down because I don’t expect bad news. To find out I’d be out for at least three months was tough. “The manager and my family helped lift my spirits though, and the medical team at Celtic also helped me through it . It was disappointing to m is s the European games. But it ’ s about kicking on now for the rest of the season, trying to win the league and Scottish Cup. “And Sunday at Ibrox will be good. It’s exciting that the Rangers game could be my first match back.
“It’s a big one but we’ll go there and play our own game. We do that irrespective of the opposition.”
Roberts’ debut in the fixture was one to forget as he missed a sitter in the Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Rangers.
But he played in two 5-1 derby wins last season and turned it on at Ibrox in Celtic’s 2- 0 win earlier this term when his slide-rule pass set up Leigh Griff iths’ goal. You get the feeling that Roberts’ thrives in the Old Firm environment.
And as he prepared for the trip to Govan, he insisted Rodgers’ men are paying no attention to talk of a potential title challenge.
He said: “We don’t really react to talk of a title race. You just have to let your football do the talking.
“We just take each game as it comes and see where it lands us.
“The rivalry with Rangers definitely lives up to its billing.
“It’s so f ierce and competitive but I enjoy the occasions. I’ve played in a few now – some better than others – but they have been great.
“My mo s t memorable one was the first after the gaffer came in, when we won 5-1 at Celtic Park. That sticks in most of the players’ minds. But there have been other good ones.
“We can still win another Treble this year and the thought of winning more trophies is exciting. Trebles are hard to come by so we have to stay focused because it could easily slip away.
“We have to maintain our level and the manager will put that into us.”
In Roberts’ absence, James Forrest has flourished on the right flank for Celtic and is a contender for Scotland’s Player of the Year.
But the Englishman wants to make an impact between now and the end of the campaign before a decision is made on his City future.
He said: “James has been brilliant. He was on fire last season and has carried it on.” Now Roberts wants to enjoy the rest of the season and he’s convinced he can still justify his place in Pep Guardiola’s classy side.
He said: “I have to make the most of the games left. What happened isn’t my fault, just bad timing and bad luck.
“I’ve got to kick on now and want to f ini sh the season strongly.
“I ’ ve been concentrating on getting fit so haven’t had any conversations with Celtic or City yet.
“I’ve been making sure both my legs are tip-top condition because without them I don’t have a future!
“City are doing well and playing good football.
“It took the manager a season to get his footbal l across but they’re now blowing the Premier League away.
“Personal ly, I’ve always believed in my ability and always will – no matter who or what I’m up against.”
The rivalry with Gers lives up to its billing – it’s so fierce and competitive