Who is Patrick Roberts? The Manchester City winger who has signed for Middlesbrough

Patrick Roberts impressed during a loan spell at Celtic.

We take a closer look at the 22-year-old winger following his switch to the Riverside.

What’s his background?

Roberts joined the youth academy at Fulham aged 13 and signed his first professional contract with the Cottagers shortly after his 17th birthday.

Despite making just 22 appearances for the London club, Roberts’ talent was noticed by Manchester City who paid a reported £12million for the player in 2015.

Since then Roberts has made just three senior appearances for the Citizens which all came before loan spells at Celtic and Spanish side Girona.

The winger spent a total of two-and-a-half years at Celtic Park during two separate loan spells and impressed throughout the 2016/17 campaign.

A thigh injury hindered Roberts’ second stint in the SPL though, meaning he made just eight league appearances the following season.

Roberts joined Norwich City on loan last summer but looks set to be recalled due to his lack of game time.

What positions can he play?

During his successful spell at Celtic Roberts was deployed as a right winger in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Brendan Rodgers.

Last season at Girona the winger was also used as an inside forward in a 3-4-3 system.

His main attribute is running with the ball and cutting inside onto his favoured left foot to create chances for his team-mates.

What have people said about him?

Following Roberts’ frustrating 2017/18 campaign, then-Celtic manager Rodgers was asked if he would consider re-signing Roberts.

“He was unfortunate last season because early on he sustained a really bad injury and it was then obviously difficult for him,” said Rodgers.

“But he is a fantastic player and we are always going to be interested in top class players."

Following Roberts’ arrival, Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate said: “He’s an exciting player, he wants to play games, and he has the bit between his teeth.

“He fits the mould of what we’re looking at. He’s young and hungry, and wants to do well.”

“I’m absolutely delighted to have a player of Patrick’s calibre at this football club.”