LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Frank McAvennie suggests Celtic loanee Patrick Roberts is more creative than £50m winger Raheem Sterling

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling looks dejected after the game (REUTERS)
Follow us on Google Discover

Patrick Roberts is coming to the end of his loan spell with Celtic unless some kind of extension can be agreed with Manchester City.

Patrick Roberts celebrates after scoring the third goal for CelticPatrick Roberts has enjoyed a stunning season with Celtic

Frank McAvennie has told The Scottish Sun that Patrick Roberts is a more creative player than Manchester City teammate Raheem Sterling, but expressed some doubt that Celtic would be able to agree any kind of extension for the exciting winger.

Roberts is coming to the end of his 18 month loan deal with the Hoops and, unless some kind of deal can be agreed between the two clubs, will return to be a part of Pep Guardiola’s squad from next season.

Celtic's Patrick Roberts celebrates scoring their first goalMcAvennie believes Roberts is more creative than Sterling

But McAvennie has suggested that, no matter how unlikely it is, he wants to Roberts to stay and added that he provides more than Sterling, despite the fact that City spent £50 million on the latter.

“Sterling cost £50million and he [Roberts] scores goals and is more creative than him,” he told The Scottish Sun.

“I think he’s got the quality.

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring their first goalSterling’s statistics are very similar to Roberts’

“I’d love him to stay at Celtic and entertain the Celtic fans but I think he’ll return.”

Interestingly, the two wide-men have very similar records when it comes to goals and assists in their respective top flights and Champions League this season, with Roberts scoring 10 and contributing 10 assists in the Scottish Premiership and in Europe, while Sterling scored 10 in the Premier League and Champions League while adding nine assists.

Of course, Sterling is playing in the tougher league, so his statistics are arguably more impressive.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers gestures to the crowdCeltic manager Brendan Rodgers

However, it cannot be denied that Roberts has been brilliant since arriving at Parkhead and has shown – including in a game against his parent club – that he has the talent to go a long way in the game.

And while Celtic will be pleased to see him make the grade at the Etihad, it would be a major surprise if they did not make another move if he did become available once again this summer.