Patrick Roberts has declared that he would rather help Celtic in their attempt to qualify for the Champions League group stages this summer than represent his country at the Euro Under-19 Championships in Germany.

Roberts had previously been non-committal over what his preference would be, insisting that the decision was one for the club and his country’s FA to sort out between them.

While ultimately that will remain the case, the skilful attacker has nailed his colours to the mast as to where he would rather be when the competitive action kicks off again in July - and they are green and white.

“Club and country will decide but my preference is to play with Celtic,” he said.

“Chances to qualify for the Champions League don't come around often so to do that would be a big honour for me. I've always wanted to play in the Champions League so to help Celtic do that would be my biggest achievement.

“England want me as well but ultimately it won't be up to me to decide - they’ll talk to each other and I'll just play my football.

“It's one of the main things you play for in a season, getting into the Champions League and facing the best teams in Europe. For me to achieve that, my family would be proud, I’d be proud and it's something I’d rather do.

“A new manager will come in and want to see you as well, potentially, so it’ll be up to him to decide as well.

“Aidy Boothroyd, my coach (with England), wants me. It is always an honour to play for your country but as I say, my priority would be the Champions League qualifiers with Celtic because that is a dream for myself.”

While Roberts is enjoying his taste of top-team football at Celtic Park, he wishes that one moment had taken place in the dimmer glare of the Manchester City development team he came from – that miss against Rangers at Hampden.

With over 50,000 crammed inside the stadium and millions more watching on television, the £11 million wonderkid fluffed his lines in front of an open goal.

He laughed: “Yeah, I've had a bit of stick but most of it has come from my mates! I know it's only banter.

“It happens in football, you have to move on. I might be laughing about it now but I knew at the moment it was a very serious matter and I was really disappointed with myself. No-one can beat me up about it more than I've beaten myself up though.

“But you have to get on with it. It’s a learning curve for me. How big the game was, it was the worst possible time - if it was any other game it wouldn't be as serious, but it happens.

“My mate Delle Alli did it the next again day - but they went on to win 4-0, and we lost the biggest rivalry up here. I just need to get past it.

“I always try and right my wrongs and I always try to give 100%. The next time I get the opportunity it will be in the back of the net for sure.”