PATRICK ROBERTS revealed he agreed a new season-long loan deal with Celtic to enjoy European nights. The player was accused by a hurting hack of “lacking ambition” for opting for a return to Paradise rather than a loan spell at Southampton or Nice.
The Manchester City winger has returned to the Hoops after his initial successful 18-month temporary contract.
And the 20-year-old fans’ favourite played his part in the midweek 3-0 hammering of Anderlecht by claiming the second goal shortly after the interval.
Roberts said: “I thought we controlled the game really well. We weren’t as clinical as we could be, but in the end it sets the bar of how we can score goals anyway.
“Once we got into our game and played the way we play, it was a nice flowing game of football and we showed why we’re a top team and why we should be competing in these competitions.
“This is why I came here. These are the nights I want to play in and I know I’ve got to produce, as well.
“It wasn’t my best performance, but to score and, most importantly, to win is a great feeling.”
Roberts, speaking to the club’s official website, added: “The manager had us focused on pressing them high.
“Griff, Scotty and I had the job of pressing the centre-backs and that’s what I was concentrating on doing.
“Sometimes they make a mistake and at this level if they make a mistake we have to punish them.
“As soon as I got the ball there was only one thing on my mind.
“Thankfully, the defender came across and steered it into the net, but it was going on target and that’s what I was trying to do.”
The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind (EP14) Champions League Special
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.
Ahead of the crucial Champions League match against Anderlecht, ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ goes behind the Champions League curtain for Celtic’s opening match against PSG.
Kevin Graham provides pre and post-match discussion with members of his CSC, as well as in-match analysis in what will be a regular Celtic State of Mind feature.
Enjoy!
