PATRICK Roberts said last night that the chance to make history at Celtic this season was just too good to pass up.
The 20-year-old Londoner declined a place with the England Under-20 side for the World Cup in South Korea to see out the season on-loan in Scotland as the Parkhead club chase the first invincible season since 1899 and only the fourth treble in the club's history but he said last night that he had no regrets about the decision.
“It was a massive decision between Celtic and England," said Roberts. "But the best decision happened and I'm more than happy to play in the cup final and I can't wait for it."
Read more: Celtic winning the mind game as they close in on greatness
The likes of Kilmarnock goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, Everton striker Dominic Calvert Lewin and Celtic target Dominic Solanke are part of the travelling party for the tournament which begins on May 20 but Roberts feels that playing in the Scottish Cup final on May 27 would be more beneficial.
“I think people in England can understand the circumstances," said Roberts. "To make history at this club, not many players get to do that. I think they understand. I have my reasons and they have got a big enough squad and a strong enough squad to go and win it anyway. So all the best to them."
While they were three goals down within the first 11 minutes in the face of the usual early Celtic onslaught, Roberts conceded that Aberdeen's direct style of play featuring target man Jayden Stockley in the remainder of Friday night's match presented Craig Gordon with as much difficulty as any team in Scotland has all season.
Read more: Celtic winning the mind game as they close in on greatness
Whether the match gives either side a psychological boost going into the William Hill Scottish Cup final on May 27 remains to be seen. “We knew we were going to start strong and after the third goal went in, we thought it would be good night," said Roberts. "But obviously top team that they are, second in the table, they put up a good fight. They tested us and we did well and we defended well.
"The way they played was more direct and they played to the big man and the target man," he added. "They obviously played to their strengths there and they did well. They're a top side and coming here is always a tough game so to come here and score three goals and come away 3-1 is good. To show our capabilities in defence is massive.
“But I think the cup final just happens on the day. We'll turn up and we'll be positive and confident and best prepared as possible. We'll go into it strong and that's all we can do. We came here, scored three goals, won the game and now we're going into the cup final the same as ever. The main thing for us is to keep mentally strong and focussed on the games and when the final comes we'll get to it. We'll just worry about the next two games we've got coming."
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