Celtic manager Ronny Deila has hailed new signing Patrick Roberts as exceptionally talented and extremely skilful, and feels that the 18-year-old can excite the fans.
The Bhoys signed Roberts on an 18-month loan deal from Manchester City, six months after the winger joined the Citizens from Championship outfit Fulham for a fee believed to be in the region of £12m.
Roberts had failed to break into the first team at Etihad Stadium and only managed to make three substitute appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side in the first half of the season.
Deila highlighted the good relationship shared between the two sides, which was instrumental in helping the Bhoys sign the 18-year-old winger.
The 40-year-old manager believes the 18-month long deal provides the Bhoys with enough time to work with Roberts and help him reach another level as a footballer.
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Deila has hailed the 18-year-old as an exceptional talent and believes that Roberts can excite the fans at Celtic Park.
Speaking in an interview with the club’s official website, Roberts said: “Patrick comes from City with great skills.
"He’s a talented boy and we have him for a longer period, so we can really work with him and get him up to an even better level than he’s at just now.
“He’s an exceptional talent. He’s young but he also needs playing-time at another environment as it’s tough to break through at Manchester City.
"We have had other players from them who had done well and it's a credit to us that we're getting to work with players like this as City trust us to develop them further.
“He’s a technical player. He’s quick, sharp and can see a pass. He can excite the fans.”
Deila’s side currently sit at the top of the Scottish Premiership, six points ahead of second placed Aberdeen.
The two title contenders face each other tonight at Pittodrie Stadium.
