FORMER Celtic skipper Alan Stubbs has welcomed Paddy Roberts’ season-long loan return to Paradise.
The Scouser, who spent five years at the Hoops after arriving from Bolton in 1996, said: “From middle to front, Celtic are ready for the Champions League.
“In terms of their personnel, they are spoiled for choice.
“Patrick Roberts has been a breath of fresh air at Celtic. He took some time to establish himself, but once he matured into the player everybody thought he was he hasn’t looked back.
“Going to Celtic has done Patrick the world of good. We have seen good players go to the club over the years and not produce.
“But he is a young talent who has gone there and been absolutely fantastic. Patrick is a top-drawer footballer.
“Having a player like him in the Celtic side will make them competitive in the Champions League.
“It is a credit to Patrick he has produced in the big games and it takes a certain mentality to do so.
“He has a bright future and let’s not forget he turned down the chance to be an Under-20 World Cup winner with England to focus on helping Celtic win the treble last season.
“That gave you a little insight into the kind of person he is.
“He seems very level-headed and single-minded and he knows what he wants. It shows he is also getting advised very well.
“There are not many clubs Patrick can go to that can offer him Champions League football and the culture and environment he will get at Celtic.
“You cannot underestimate those factors and they largely explain why he decided to carry on his development as a player with Celtic.”
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