Why Middlesbrough should keep Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts despite reports and Celtic links

The 23-year-old playmaker will be frustrated after making just three league starts since returning to Boro on loan from Manchester City in October.

It would therefore be understandable if the agreement was cut short. Celtic have been linked with another loan move but there doesn’t appear to be much interest.

The ball, though, is in Boro’s court after the two clubs signed off a season-long loan deal which can only be terminated if all parties agree.

Boro boss Neil Warnock has taken the stance that Roberts should stay at the Riverside and fight for his place, even if he hasn’t been at the forefront of the manager’s mind.

The Teessiders are still hopeful they can sign another winger before the end of the month, which could make it even harder for Roberts to force his way into Warnock’s plans.

Yet, when he has started a game this season, the Manchester City loanee has been deployed as a No 10 rather than a winger.

Warnock clearly has reservations about playing Roberts on the flank where he has to track an overlapping full-back and provide defensive support. That isn’t his game.

That is a problem for Roberts when Boro don’t always play with a No 10, though, with Sam Morsy, George Saville and Jonny Howson often making up a midfield three.

Yet there have been times when the Teessiders have needed a player who is slightly more offensive, like when Lewis Wing scored twice in an advanced role at Birmingham or when Marcus Browne impressed at Wycombe.

Sometimes Boro need a player who can take the ball in a central position and run at defenders. That is the sort of position Roberts can operate in.

Clearly there is a reason behind the player’s lack of game time, and this season the 23-year-old has been underwhelming when he’s received an opportunity.

Yet we saw last season the playmaker has ability and can provide a creative spark when on song.

With Browne out for the season and Tavernier a doubt for this week’s game against Rotherham, Boro appear short of creative options right now.

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