Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has made clear that winger Patrick Roberts is still an integral part of his squad, despite the 29-year-old having been an unused substitute in the club's last seven matches. Davies pledged to give the out-of-favour forward the playing time he desires.
Roberts' recent absence from the starting lineup
Roberts was a regular feature in Blues' lineup for much of last season, and Davies approved a permanent transfer from Sunderland in January. However, the winger has recently fallen behind Carlos Vicente in the pecking order. Davies used the final games of the previous campaign to integrate Vicente into Championship football, and Roberts ended the season as an unused substitute in five consecutive matches.
He has not featured in either of Blues' opening two games this term, with right-back Ethan Laird being preferred to close out matches on the wing when Vicente's shift has ended. According to Davies, Roberts — who recorded five goals and five assists across all competitions last season — still has a role to play.
Davies' reassurances and relationship with Roberts
When asked directly whether Roberts is still in his plans, Davies responded: “Yes, absolutely. I’ve got a good relationship with Patrick, we go back a long way to the Celtic days. I know him really well.”
He added: “There’s just been situations in games where he’s just been unfortunate where I’ve maybe put Ethan on to close a game out – and Ethan’s done a great job in those situations. Patrick is a fantastic player. He was fantastic for us in the early part of last season and he’s a player that I value, and he’s absolutely part of the plans. I’m sure with the amount of games that we’ve got coming up there will be plenty of game-time for him.”
Transfer speculation and Roberts' commitment
Hours after Roberts was left on the bench at Sheffield United, a report emerged suggesting former Blues boss Tony Mowbray would be keen to sign the winger for Blackburn Rovers. Roberts worked under Mowbray at Sunderland, and Rovers' interest is understood to be genuine. However, Blues' preference is to keep Roberts, and Davies believes the 29-year-old is happy to fight for his place.
“We’ve had good dialogue,” Davies said. “I’ve spoken to Patrick and he wants to play, of course he does, like all the players but he understands the situation and he knows what I think of him. He loves being here and being a Birmingham City player and the challenge for me, as with all the players, is to give them their opportunities on the pitch. I see Patrick as a valued squad member and someone that will definitely get more game time as we go along, it’s just in recent games it just wasn’t quite the right moment.”
