John Collins: Patrick Roberts is better than Raheem Sterling

Partick Roberts, left, helped Celtic defeat Hearts on the final day of the Ladbrokes Premiership season. Picture: SNS

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John Collins does not believe hero Partick Roberts will return to Celtic next season - because he is better than Raheem Sterling.

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The former Celtic assistant manager made the claim in the aftermath of the club’s 2-0 victory over Hearts, which confirmed their unbeaten Ladbrokes Premiership season.

Roberts will return to Manchester City this summer after his 18-month loan deal at Parkhead expires, though there have been reports that Celtic have made a £6.8m bid for the player.

City boss Pep Guardiola has indicated he’ll judge Roberts in the summer and whether he’s worthy of a place in the first-team squad at the Etihad next term.

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Collins insists the player is good enough for a regular spot in the City squad, believing him to already be better than England international Sterling.

He said on Sky Sports: “I think he’ll go back to Manchester City. I think he’s better than Raheem Sterling, who cost £50million. I think he [Roberts] scores goals.

“I’d love him to stay at Celtic and entertain the Celtic fans, but I think he’ll return.”