Celtic could be without the winger until March, but will they really miss him?
As reported by Sky Sports, Celtic loanee Patrick Roberts could be side-lined until March after an injury setback, yet it is a mark of how far the Bhoys have come that they should be absolutely fine without him.
If it had happened last season, Celtic may be wondering where their creative midfield spark was going to come from, with the Manchester City player scoring 11 goals and providing 19 assists for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
In short, Roberts was integral to everything Celtic were doing on the field and yet, fast-forward a few months and he has barely got a look-in when he has been fit to play.
One goal and three assists in 12 outings tells its own story, as does the fact that Roberts was making do with a bit-part role prior to his latest setback. But it is he emergence of James Forrest that means Celtic will be absolutely fine without the 20-year-old.
Rodgers has transformed Forrest into one of Celtic’s best players and his presence means the sight of Roberts heading back to Manchester is unlikely to cause much concern among the Bhoys fan base.
Has Forrest not been tearing it up, Roberts may be sorely missed. As it is Celtic did fine without him and should continue to do so.
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