Brendan Rodgers’ decision not to rely on incredibly-talented Celtic star makes sense

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Patrick Roberts has made 22 Scottish Premiership appearances for Celtic this season, but has started in just over half of those games.

Celtic’s Patrick Roberts celebrates scoring

Despite his obvious talent, Patrick Roberts has not featured on a regular basis for Celtic this season. And while some Hoops supporters may be disappointed by that fact, it surely makes perfect sense.

The winger has played 22 times in the Scottish Premiership this year, but has started on just 12 occasions with Brendan Rodgers often favouring the likes of Scott Sinclair and James Forrest in the wide areas.

While the latter has enjoyed a stunning transformation since Rodgers’ arrival, many Bhoys supporters would probably argue that Roberts is still the better of the two. Nevertheless, Rodgers is probably right to take the stance he has done.

The league title is virtually wrapped up and the Scottish Cup semi-final is more than a month away, so the Northern Irishman would be forgiven for turning one eye to his plans for next season when they get another go at the Champions League, and may be expecting a tougher fight for the title.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

And as things currently stand, Roberts will not be a Celtic player in the next campaign with his loan from Manchester City set to expire this summer, so giving him a greater number of minutes makes little sense if he is not in the long-term plans at Parkhead.

Of course, an extension to the loan deal could be possible. As gifted as Roberts is, the path to the City first-team is incredibly congested, particularly in his position, but whether the Hoops would be able to bring him back remains to be seen.

It seems difficult to imagine that some sides in the Premier League would not be keen themselves.

Roberts’ future may not be the reason that Rodgers has handed him a reduced role this term, but given that, as things stand, he will not be a Hoop next season, his decision to use him more sparingly is arguably a wise one.