JOHN COLLINS rates Paddy Roberts more highly than Manchester City’s £50million man Raheem Sterling.
The former Celtic player and assistant boss is a massive fan of the winger whose 18-month loan deal at the Hoops will come to an end after Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen.
Collins would love the entertaining 20-year-old attacker to remain at Parkhead, but believes he will go back to fight for a first team place with Pep Guardiola’s outfit.
He said: “I think he’s been a fantastic player throughout the second half of the season – a real joy to watch.
“The way he gets the ball.drives at full-backs, delivers killer passes and scores goals.
“I think he’s better than Raheem Sterling, who cost £50 million and Roberts scores goals and is more creative than him. I think he’s got the quality.
“I’d love him to stay at Celtic and entertain the Celtic fans and Scottish football, but I think he’ll return to Manchester City.”
The Etihad side shelled out £12million to buy Roberts from Fulham two years ago.
Collins also praised his old club for their achievements in a record-breaking season.
He added: “Going through the whole season undefeated, scoring goals, playing entertaining football and miles ahead of any other team in Scotland has been wonderful.
“The fans have loved it. You set high standards and it will be very difficult to match.
“For me, it will all start with qualifying for the Champions League. That releases a lot of pressure and gets a feelgood factor throughout the stadium with the players and the fans.
“That energy is then taken into the league.
“The challenge now for next season is to do it again.
“But it won’t be easy.”
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