BRENDAN RODGERS has revealed that he has not closed the door on a Paddy Roberts return to Celtic.
And the Hoops boss has insisted the six-in-a-row champions CAN afford the player, but it all depends on whether Manchester City will release him and if he wishes to return to Parkhead.
The 20-year-old winger fits the ideal description of a player Rodgers would like to add to his squad – “a winger who can also play as a striker” – and given the successful 18-month period enjoyed by the youngster in Glasgow, he could fit perfectly back into the squad.
Roberts is currently in Los Angeles in his club’s pre-season tour of the States, starting against Manchester United and coming on as a sub against Real Madrid.
With Moussa Dembele out until September and Leigh Griffiths facing a race against time to be fit for Wednesday’s game against Rosenborg, Rodgers is well aware that he needs to be able to plug the gaps.
The Irishman has asked to be notified of any change in Roberts’ circumstances.
The Hoops boss said: “I think it all comes down to Manchester City.
“Pat would be amazing for here. I think everyone could see that.
“But it all goes down to, one, Manchester City and how they see his future there. He has obviously gone away on tour with them and got some game-time. They will make a decision after that.
“Two, it is also the boy. He might not want to come back. Pat might want to play in the Premier League if he has somewhere to do that. He might fancy a spell in Europe.
“But what he knows is that he has a great place here if it comes to that.
“The club can bring him here. It’s more going to be whether the player see this as the next step for him.”
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