Paddy the wizard, Paddy the athlete, he’s going all the way

We like Patrick Roberts; all of us do. He’s the kind of player who gets fans out of their seats, an entertaining throwback to a time when wing wizards were wanted by all. But Patrick is more than that.

I spent a bit of time with him last year at an Adidas ‘Backed by Messi’ event. He was very chilled for most of the day, before becoming sharply focussed, “I need to eat.” “I need to eat” was said several times. It had an urgency, the time for shooting the breeze was over, within minutes, a meal was needed to keep physiological objectives on plan.

Patrick wasn’t seeing many first team minutes at that time, but focus was complete. This is an athlete who plans to go all the way in the game.

He’s at Celtic because he wanted to be here. Manchester City were looking for an incredible figure for his transfer, well over double Celtic’s previous highest transfer fee, although perhaps not so incredible given the market in England. Without Patrick’s patience, City would have found a buyer, but Patrick knows where he and Celtic are going this season.

Great to have you back, Paddy.  You’re going to love playing centre half.  Ask big Nir, it’s an absolute blast!

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CQN’s latest Podcast is now available for you to enjoy.

Paul John Dykes recorded Episode 10 of ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ at Andrew Milne’s first ‘Celtic AM’ event of the 2017-18 season.

A Celtic State of Mind offers an insight into the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning invincible Scottish champions.

Each episode includes interviews with ‘Celtic-minded’ figures from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature or politics, and this week’s guests include:

* Aidso Digney from the Éire Go Brách CSC, who discusses his late friend, Kidso Reilly;
* Professional boxer, Gary Murray;
* Centenary hero, Joe Miller;
* Music from Keith Murray.

70,000 Celtic fans can’t be wrong…

Connect with A Celtic State of Mind @PaulDykes and @CQNMagazine.