Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock has confirmed that he will hold talks with Patrick Roberts as he looks to get a resolution to Roberts’ lack of game time. The 23-year-old has eighteen months remaining on his contract at City and may feel that his progress is better suited to another club as opposed to remaining on the fringes of Warnock’s side.
Speaking to The Sun, Warnock said that he would hold talks with the Roberts as the winger becomes frustrated at his lack of game time with the Championship side.
“I’ve got to have a talk (with Roberts). There’s two or three lads that have not really had an opportunity, and everybody wants to play.
“They all want to be involved, and I have to manage that as I see fit.
“I’ve got to speak to the players and see how they feel, but first and foremost, I’ve learned my lesson over the years, I’ve got to look after the club.”
“I can’t be swayed just because an agent rings me up or a dad of one of the players says, ‘He’s got to leave or go out on loan’ – I can’t be working on that.
“I’ve got to look after the club first at this moment in time because it’s a difficult period.”
As James Forrest remains out, Celtic could be alerted to the news that the player wants regular first team football. The main interest for Roberts would be that his best football was achieved while he played in Scotland.
Roberts scored 18 goals in 79 appearances in Scotland and was very impressive under Brendan Rodgers in the Invincible season. He may be keen on a move to Celtic as it would give him the chance to settle, something he hasn’t had the opportunity to do since leaving Celtic.
With Celtic currently in the market for a right winger, Roberts could be the perfect fit and if a deal can be negotiated then it could be a happy return to the club for the Englishman. It would not be a transfer window without a link to Paddy Roberts after all.