The Bhoys assistant says that the teenager’s place is far from guaranteed despite a fine two-goal performance at the weekend.
Celtic assistant manager John Collins has warned teenage midfield Patrick Roberts that his place in Ronny Deila’s starting XI is far from guaranteed despite his impressive two-goal performance at the weekend, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
Roberts scored the first goals of his senior career in the Bhoys’ 3-1 win over Hearts on Saturday, with a sublime dink over goalkeeper Neil Alexander before a fierce drive to double his tally.
After the match, Collins hailed the 19-year-old’s quality and claimed that the winger is reminiscent of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in his playing style and ability to impact a game.
However, after risking inflating the youngster’s ego, Deila’s right-hand man has now warned the on-loan Manchester City man that his fine performance does not mean that he is guaranteed starting berth week after week, or even for Tuesday night’s trip to Dundee.
Collins said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun: “It would be very unusual for someone to score two and have a decent game and not play the next match. It would be a harsh decision not to play him.
“But we have lots of talent and competition for places in there. His best position is number ten. We have wide players and the manager has a tough choice about who to select. That’s a very nice situation to have.”
Roberts joined Celtic on loan from City in January after featuring just three times as a substitute for the former Premier League champions following a £11 million move from Fulham last summer.
The teenager has worked his way into contention at Parkhead since his move and after showing some impressive flashes in recent weeks he burst onto the scene at the weekend with a fine individual display.
Celtic’s win over Hearts leaves them four points clear over Aberdeen with a game in hand, and they travel to Dundee on Tuesday evening looking for a fifth consecutive win in all competitions.
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