Patrick Roberts will feature in an Adidas campaign led by Lionel Messi.
The Celtic teenager has never been shy about modelling his game on the Barcelona legend and has played against his idol twice this season.
Tomorrow Team Adidas will launch a new advertising campaign led by Messi with Roberts featuring prominently in the adverts.
The recognition is a welcome boost to the on loan Manchester City winger who is currently out of the Celtic side due to the impressive early season form of James Forrest.
Since recovering from a hamstring strain in the 2-1 victory over Astana in August Roberts has had to contend himself with occasional appearances in Brendan Rodgers side.
Forrest’s form and the signing of Scott Sinclair has increased Rodgers attacking options although Roberts was picked from the start for the Champions League match away to Barcelona.
Proud to announce that I’ve been backed by Messi! Episode 1 drops this Friday. Stay tuned ???????? https://t.co/FS2YXzrxNU
— Patrick Roberts (@patrick7roberts) October 12, 2016
Speaking after joining Celtic about his admiration for Messi Roberts said: “It’s a conscious thing for me to be like Messi. I’ve watched him for years and he’s my idol.
“You try to copy what he does and it also comes naturally to me as well.
“Because I’m left-footed I tend to move the same way as he does. In games I try to replicate what he does. I’ve studied him on YouTube and when La Liga is on I watch that all the time. My view is that you watch the best to learn from the best.
“I’m very determined. I started playing for Fulham at 14 which is quite late and was in and around the first team at 16.
“I’ve had the determination to play at the highest level and I’m more than capable to do it. I’ve got the head for it, the mental side and the ability and my goals are achievable.”
Whilst the adidas campaign is a welcome boost Roberts immediate aim is to get into the Celtic first team.
Messi of course has never hidden his admiration for Celtic and his dream of one day pulling on the hoops on a regular basis.
