Patrick Roberts says he is looking to establish himself as a regular starter for Celtic after bagging a double in his side’s 3-1 win over Hearts.
The 19-year-old, in only his second start for the Hoops, helped set up Gary Mackay-Steven to cancel out Jamie Walker’s opener before grabbing his first senior goals to seal a vital win for the Glasgow giants.
Expectations are high of the on-loan Manchester City winger but manager Ronny Deila has used him sparingly since his arrival in Glasgow during the January transfer window.
Despite Deila admitting that it would be hard to leave the England under-19 star out of his side following his impressive display against Hearts, Roberts knows he can nothing for granted ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Dundee at Dens Park.
“The manager knows what I can do and I always do my best whenever I am on the pitch. I trust his judgement,” Roberts said.
“He picks the team and I have to do whatever I have to do. It is a challenge for everyone. Everyone wants to play in the team and be involved.
“I always enjoy playing football whenever I am out on the field, whether it’s for the first-team or the Development Squad, so when I get the opportunity I’ve always got to do my best and that’s what I do every game.
“You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t want to do that, so yes, everyone is competing but it is healthy and good for the club and we are pushing in the right direction.
“It was a very good three points against Hearts. My first and second goals - it was a good feeling, especially in front of all those fans.
“Fans are who you play for. Without them, you would be nothing. It is joy to play in front of them and score goals for them and I will try to carry on doing that.”
Aberdeen closed the gap on the Hoops at the top of the table to four points following their 3-0 win over Hamilton on Sunday but the Glasgow giants can restore their seven point advantage if they win their game in hand against Dundee.
Elsewhere in the Scottish Premiership, Inverness Caledonian Thistle will attempt to keep their slender hopes of a top six finish alive when they take on Hearts at the Caledonian Stadium.
Dundee United could close to within two points of Kilmarnock at the bottom of the table if they can claim a victory over Partick Thistle at Firhill.


Fixtures
(9:45pm Qatar Time)
Dundee v Celtic, Inverness CT v Hearts, Partick Thistle v Dundee United