Patrick Roberts has revealed that kickings from his brother Adam and his mates toughened him up for life in the SPFL.
The Celtic winger has been targeted by some less than subtle opponents and given little protection by referees who seem to look on the first attack as a free shot at the 20-year-old before a card comes into consideration.
Last month a brutal attempt by Andy Halliday on his little brother at Hampden brought Adam to fame on twitter.
Even in the brutal world of Sunday league football Halliday’s failed attempt at putting Roberts out of the game would have brought a red card.
Adam turns out for Barnes Eagles in the Chiswick and District Sunday Football League with his more famous brother recalling the childhood days that have helped shape his career.
“He used to kick me about the park,” Patrick recalled in The Scotsman about his younger days. “If you ask my mum, she’ll tell you that when I ran past him he used to kick me. He’s 22 now, nearly 23.
“I used to play with him and his mates and they used to kick me, which was good for me, looking back. Now it’s routine for it to happen to me on a Saturday and something I’ve been able to handle.
“I was the annoying little brother that used to dribble past him. It was fun to wind my brother up and you get in arguments and fights, but it was all fun. “He is still playing for Barnes Eagles, which isn’t far from where I lived down south, and whenever I get down I’ll watch him play. He’s actually been in a couple of cup finals this season but he’s lost them both, so I hope I don’t lose on Saturday.
“When I have a day off and they are playing on Sunday I’ll sometimes go. There are usually a couple of dogs, a few fans and me watching. And usually a couple of fights!”
After Saturday’s match against Aberdeen, Roberts’ career heads off into the unknown with no indications yet of what Manchester City have in mind after 18 months at Celtic.