Celtic's Patrick Roberts would prefer club over country

Patrick Roberts (left) is on loan with Celtic from Manchester City

Celtic's Patrick Roberts would prefer to taste Champions League football but admits others will decide whether he plays for club or country in July.

Roberts, who is Scottish Premiership player of the month for April, could be picked to play for England in the European Under-19 Championship.

That takes place from 11-24 July, with Celtic set to play Champions League qualifiers on 12/13 and 19/20 July.

"My preference is the Champions League," said the on-loan winger.

"I have wanted to do that ever since I was a little boy.

"That would be my preference, but it is not for me to decide - it is for my club and country to decide."

Manchester City are his parent club, the 19-year-old having started an 18-month loan at Celtic Park in January.

However, Roberts stressed that he would be delighted to play in either competition.

"It's a dilemma for my club and country," said Roberts.

"Playing in the Champions League, or playing for your country - both are proud achievements.

"Whatever they decide, I will get on with my job, be my normal self, as I always am, but it is not for me to decide."

Roberts started and ended April in scoring form, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Hearts and another as Celtic beat the same opponents at Tynecastle last week to effectively clinch the Premiership crown, given their goal difference is 35 better than second-placed Aberdeen.

Celtic are now one point away from officially retaining the Scottish title after recording three wins and two draws during the month.

Their only defeat came on penalties in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers - a match in which Roberts missed a glaring chance to score.