Why a Loan to Celtic Is the Right Move for Manchester City's Patrick Roberts

The plan for Manchester City’s Patrick Roberts, according to Manuel Pellegrini, was always to send him on loan.

Initially, Pellegrini wanted him at the City Football Academy (CFA), training with the club’s array of first-team stars, learning from their training habits and understanding the demands of playing for a side competing for silverware.

“I did not want to send him on loan immediately,” Pellegrini said after City’s recent win over Aston Villa in the FA Cup. “It’s important to work with these players because they improve a lot.”

Senior games are ultimately what players need, though. Roberts, 19, has made just three cameo appearances for City thus far, with only one coming in the Premier League.

When Celtic offered him an 18-month loan deal, with a guarantee of more action than he was getting at the Etihad Stadium, it was a straightforward decision.

Some have suggested the quality of the Scottish top flight isn’t good enough for a player of Roberts’ ability, that a move to another Premier League club or a high-ranking Championship side would have been more beneficial.

But when one considers how successful Jason Denayer’s loan switch to Celtic Park was, Roberts is likely to benefit greatly from the move.

Celtic’s relative strength compared to the opposition in Scotland means they invariably compete for league titles, domestic cups and in European competitions. It may lack the intensity of English football, but that kind of preparation—which sees players focused on winning regularly—can only be good.

Celtic are a huge team, backed by a significant and expectant fanbase. Winning is the only option. Dealing with that level of expectancy is good for a young player, and Roberts is likely to return far better prepared for life in City’s first team than he was when he left.

They will ease him into the side, given he spent the last two months of his time at City struggling with injury, but it won’t be long until they make him part of their first XI if he keeps impressing as he has done so far.

He played his first game in green and white last week, starring for Celtic’s under-21 side in a 4-0 win over Greenock Morton, scoring one and assisting three. It was a remarkable display that won’t have gone unnoticed by manager Ronny Deila, a man known for his willingness to give young players a chance to impress.

Celtic aren’t having everything their own way in the Scottish Premier League this season. So often since the demise of Rangers, they have won the league at a canter. The Hoops finished 17 points clear in first place last season.

This term, Deila’s side have struggled. They are currently level on points with Aberdeen with a game in hand.

Roberts will be going into a difficult situation. The Celtic fans, who can be demanding, are unhappy with their side. But if the teenager can improve their performances and excite the fans in the process, he could quickly become a favourite. The stage is set for him, and given his ability, he is likely to take the chance.

His first few months at City will have helped his development. Learning from the likes of Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and David Silva—superb professionals and serial winners—can only have fast-tracked his education.

Now it’s time to make his mark on a first team fighting for a title, in front of huge crowds and under significant pressure.

If he makes the most of this opportunity, he could come back to City in a much better position to challenge for a place in the first-team squad.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard_.