Celtic drew 1-1 with Astana in Kazakhstan yesterday.
Celtic hitman Leigh Griffiths has paid tribute to team-mate Patrick Roberts on BBC Scotland, saying the youngster has been “magnificent” with the Hoops.
The 19-year-old joined Celtic on an 18-month loan from Manchester City in January and it is becoming increasingly obvious as to why the English winger was at a club as elite as the Sky Blues in the first place.
Roberts has been excellent for the Bhoys in pre-season and their Champions League preliminaries thus far, and maintained that standard with another fine display in last night’s 1-1 draw away to Astana in Kazakhstan.
Griffiths, who netted 40 times last season, latched on to a Roberts pass on 78 minutes to equalise, after the City loanee showed fantastic hunger to chase what looked a lost cause.
Of course, Celtic went on to bag a potentially vital away goal and make themselves favourite to reach the fourth and final qualification round before the Champions League group stages, and Griffiths hailed his team-mate afterwards.
“He’s done magnificent,” Griffiths told BBC Scotland.
“Nine times out of 10 people just let that run out of play, but the wee man kept going, kept the ball in play and cut it back.”
The second leg will take place in Glasgow next Tuesday and Celtic fans will be optimistic.
Not only have they got the away goal, but Brendan Rodgers’s side smashed Lincoln Red Imps in the second leg at Parkhead in the previous leg. With over 50,000 Celtic supporters at their backs, the Bhoys will be confident of reaching the playoff stages.
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