Kris Commons reckons snapping up Patrick Roberts on loan would see the Hoops strike fear into Scottish football – and could be the gateway to signing the winger permanently.

Brendan Rodgers is reportedly edging closer to sealing a deal for the Manchester City ace, with suggestions that Roberts has told his parent club that Parkhead is his preferred destination. 

The 20-year-old has been linked with the likes of Nice, Porto and Southampton this summer and Commons, who trained alongside the England youth international last term, believes convincing him to return to Glasgow would represent a major coup.

The former Celt said: “If they can get him for another 18 months it would be absolutely huge. 

Read more: Talks regarding Patrick Roberts' future must remain private, says Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

“He is a match-winner and it would put the fear into every other team playing against Celtic. 

“He is a big signing, Manchester City spent the best part of £12 million on the boy, so it’s another step in the right direction in terms of Celtic showing the calibre of player they can bring in and them saying ‘we are going to tie him down and develop him’.

“Brendan will be thinking, in the long run, he can get Patrick up here for longer than the 18 months and that he will want to sign him. The fans love him, it works in everyone’s favour.” 

Roberts claimed 17 goals and 21 assists as he dazzled during an 18-month stint with Celtic which expired at the end of last season.

And Commons believes he is showing signs of realising the promise which convinced City to shell out an eight-figure fee to capture him from Fulham in 2015.

Read more: Talks regarding Patrick Roberts' future must remain private, says Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

The former Scotland star added: “He’s at an important stage of his career. He needs to lose that ‘potential’ tag. 

“He is starting to show signs of being a top player, which is why there are a number of clubs coming in for his signature. 

“Patrick is an exceptional talent, a great trainer, and I think he would be a great addition for Celtic.”