Once the terror of defences in Scottish football, former Celtic favourite Patrick Roberts can’t seem to convince his current head coach that he is worthy of action this season.
On loan at Norwich City from Manchester City, the winger has barely had a chance at the Canaries since joining in the summer transfer window on a season-long deal.
In fact, he’s managed just 23 minutes of Premier League football, according to Transfermarkt, with his only opportunity coming in an English League Cup match against Crawley Town.
Norwich boss Daniel Farke commented on his situation last week, admitting to The Pink Un that the player is likely not very happy at the moment.
He said: “He’s at an age where he has to deliver right now and we will give him every chance. I’m pretty confident when there is a chance for him he can use us but it’s up to him.
“Patrick won’t be 100pc happy at the moment because he didn’t play that much but all I can say is from my feeling I am happy with him. His time will come I’m pretty sure, but I can’t predict at the moment when it is.”
It doesn’t sound as if Roberts is doing himself any favours. It’d certainly be interesting to hear what Norwich fans had to say about his fleeting performances.
However, as we know, he has a talent capable of performing both at the top end of Scottish football and in Europe, so his current situation is sad to see.
What does his future hold?
This article isn’t necessarily a begging-Celtic-to-sign-Patrick-Roberts piece, but it is worth looking at his current situation and trying to consider what his future holds.
Roberts signed a new deal with Manchester City in May which, to my mind, wasn’t the greatest career move in terms of his playing prospects.
I’m sure he’s being well compensated financially but all he’s done is extend his limbo status between the elite level and other clubs until 2022.
He’s realistically never going to break into Pep Guardiola’s team and it appears absolutely nobody is keen on landing him permanently.
It even appears Celtic have moved on competently, with James Forrest destroying teams on the right flank and others in attacking midfield producing excellent contributions.
With 15 goals and 19 assists in 51 appearances for the Hoops (Transfermarkt), Roberts once showed incredible potential. Still just 22 he has plenty of time to find a permanent home and show his worth.
However, he needs to make the right moves and find coaches who have a real belief in his ability.
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