Blues boss made one call and I was sold - Roberts

Patrick Roberts said one phone call from Birmingham City boss Chris Davies was all he needed to sign up.

The playmaker has joined Blues from Sunderland on a season-long loan, linking up again with a coach he worked with during two years at Celtic.

Roberts, 28, took Birmingham's summer signings to 14 - a total that includes loan moves that were turned into permanent transfers.

He joined on the final day of the window, along with Sheffield United's Jack Robinson - and Roberts said the decision to make the switch was straightforward.

Roberts told the club's official channel on X: "I know the manager - I used to work with him when I was younger, so one phone call from him was all I needed.

"It didn't take much to persuade me but we had a good relationship when I was young at Celtic.

"You could see from there how he would take to becoming a manager and he's come a long way. He's a top coach. I already knew that."

Roberts appeared to have the world at his feet when he left Fulham to join Manchester City's academy.

However, he was unable to make a breakthrough there and spent several seasons on loan at Celtic, Girona, Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Derby County and Troyes before finally establishing himself at the Stadium of Light.

Roberts added: "I think physically and mentally I'm in a good place. Some of the demons I had with injuries when I was younger, I can manage that in an easier way.

"He [Davies] explained there was a creative role. I want to get on the ball and make things happen. I'll be doing what I can to bring that every week.

"I'm striving to get to the top. I did it last season and did it the hard way. I'm here to help Birmingham.

"It's another city that lives and dies by its football. That's nothing new to me. I know what it's like to play for big clubs and Birmingham are going in the right direction. It would be an honour to help."