EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Another loan is just what Roberts and Celtic need
TREVOR SINCLAIR wants to see Patrick Roberts rejoin Celtic for another year to give him the best possible chance of cementing a place at Manchester City.
Former City star Sinclair has followed the development of the 20-year-old winger, and was delighted to see the impact he made in the Scottish game last season.
He has no doubts that loan spell was exactly what Roberts needed.
The 20-year-old helped the Hoops to their “Invincible” campaign, and also scored against City in the Champions League clash at the Etihad.
City recalled him for pre-season and he went on tour with the club. But it’s likely Guardiola will send him out on loan again for another season.
He has plenty of suitors, Southampton Wolfsburg, Huddersfield Town and Schalke 04 among them.
But Brendan Rodgers has also made it clear to Guardiola that he wants to bring Roberts back, and it’s been discussed at executive level.
Sinclair would welcome another temporary deal between the clubs and told The Sunday Post: “Patrick is a very exciting player. He has natural talent and wonderful ability.
“But the secret to his success, so far, is that he knows how to package it and deliver in a game.
“He has pace, he can dribble, he can go down the outside to deliver a cross, or cut inside on to his left foot and unleash a shot.
“We could all see from the goals he scored last season that he has an all-round game that was very effective for Celtic in their domestic and European games.
“His loan spell was very productive for all parties – Celtic, Manchester City and young Patrick.
“I’m aware there is some willingness to do it again and I hope a deal can be concluded. I see no reason why he can’t continue his football education at Celtic.
“Manchester City have some incredible footballers in the wide and front areas, but Patrick would not want to sit on the bench most weeks and just getagamehereandthere.
“He has been used to playing in front of 60,000 every other week, and he will not want to let that go.
“I’ve no doubt Pep Guardiola and City will make the right decision for the football club and the player.
“So, it will be very interesting to see what develops in the next few days. But if they do allow him to go out on loan again, and he ends up at Celtic, I think that will be a good move for all concerned.
“He will play on a regular basis for Celtic and another 40 or 50 first-team games will be of great benefit to him.
“It may lead to him being able to return to Manchester City this time next year, ready to go and be a big part of what’s coming next at the club under Guardiola.
“I believe Patrick has the quality to be a success at City.”
Sinclair was a talented winger during his own career and had successful spells for West Ham, QPR and City.
He played for the Blues for four years and also for England at the 2002 World Cup Finals in Japan and South Korea.
He is also remembered for the outstanding strike for QPR – a bicycle kick from the edge of the box against Barnsley in an FA Cup tie – that won the Goal of the Season award.
Now a successful media pundit, the 43-year-old keeps a close eye on the Scottish game and he has been very impressed with the impact Brendan Rodgers has made on Scottish football.
He said: “Brendan has been superb for Celtic. You have to give credit to the club’s board for having the ambition to go for him, and then backing it up with the financial investment. It has worked out very well for all parties.
“Going to manage a massive club such as Celtic was exactly what Brendan needed after the way it ended at Liverpool.
“Hetookthemveryclosetothetitle and that was a fine achievement. He has now won several trophies in Scotland and added that to his CV.
“But he is not one to stand still and he will want to strengthen his Celtic squad.
“Getting Patrick would give Celtic an outstanding balance to their team, with Patrick on the right and Scott Sinclair on the left.
“It would also be a signal of intent on another level.”