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Big win in the derby for Celtic’s development squad against Partick Thistle.
A draw seemed closer and closer to reality, but Jack Aitchison’s 88th minute tap-in sealed the deal for the young Bhoys.
The win bumps the academy side past Ross County’s U-20 team, as the Celts now sit in seventh with 26 points. More importantly, Celtic sit one point behind Hamilton on the table for sixth, but they’ll have to work for it against a tough Aberdeen side that sits in third place.
The Hoops have only eight games left on the schedule. Luckily, all but two opponents fall below Celtic on the remainder of the fixture list, so the Celts have a chance to catch some ground.
The most important thing to come out of this contest other than the three points was the return of Patrick Roberts. Fans all know the injury problems the winger has experienced thus far this year.
However, Roberts was able to amass 57 total minutes on the pitch, while creating some quality chances early on.
19 Roberts getting on the ball a bit more as Hoops step up possession (0-0)
— Celtic FC Academy (@CelticFCAcademy) February 23, 2018
42 From Roberts corner on left Duffy takes ball down and crashes a shot off the bar. It's cleared. So close to opener again!
— Celtic FC Academy (@CelticFCAcademy) February 23, 2018
Celtic are hoping for a healthy lineup sooner rather than later. The Manchester City man provides the spark out wide that goes along perfectly with what Kieran Tierney brings to the width game.
Roberts seemed excited to come back. Here’s what he had to say after the fixture, as noted by the Daily Record.
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"“I finished [the season] quite well last year, so that’s the main objective again.“I’ve had a tough season with injuries and it’s about getting right and finishing as strongly as I can.”"
In just a short amount of time, the 21-year-old has totaled 1 goals and three assists. He’s a fan favorite at Celtic Park, and fans can only hope that the Hoops will really consider permanently locking up the services of Paddy.
Opinion: Celtic need quality at the most crucial time of the season right now. A collapse against Zenit will now see the Bhoys welcomed by Aberdeen back in domestic play, which is no easy occasion.
For Roberts to really turn heads again at Paradise, he needs to get on the pitch more often with the first-team. Paddy’s run of close to an hour with the development squad is really encouraging, but he likely won’t be able to garner those minutes right away in the first-tier.
Hopefully, Brendan Rodgers will decide to at least place Roberts on the bench and bring him on later in the contest. In the time ahead, Celtic will slowly start to get healthy which could mean a transition back to dominant league form, which will win the Celts silverware.
Paddy is apart of that process just as he was in the last campaign. Here’s to hoping that Roberts can return soon.
Next: Fans shouldn’t worry about Tom Rogic extension
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