Celtic hero Patrick Roberts recalls his school days with the current Hoops star when he says: “I see you’ve grown fond of him too.”

FORMER Celtic star Patrick Roberts is happy Hoops fans love his old-school carsharing pal Matt O’Riley as much as he does.

It’s a little-known fact that former MK Dons star O’Riley and current Sunderland ace Roberts shared rides to school while completing their training days at Fulham Academy.

2

2

Both men played for England’s youth teams in their formative years – although O’Riley, three years younger, now plays for Denmark Under-21s.

From Craven Cottage it was on to Manchester City for Roberts, who has played more than 50 games for Celtic on a couple of different loan spells with the club.

Roberts, who is now approaching the same number at Sunderland, made a guest appearance on the Celtic View podcast and said he was delighted to see O’Riley following in his footsteps.

“Yes, Matt was in Fulham so I saw him a lot when I was younger.

“He was younger than me but I saw him walk up and I thought ‘he’s going to enjoy it’.

“I see you’ve taken him pretty well too, he’s a good player.

“I only knew him when I was very young and left quite early so I didn’t see him in the Fulham ranks but I know him and I knew he was a good player.

“It’s nice to see he’s doing really well up there and enjoying his football.

“Just doing what I’ve been doing, playing without fear, dealing with the expectation and doing some good stuff.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

O’Riley himself has previously said, “Pat [Roberts] I went to school with you.

“We drove to school in the same cars, although he’s a bit older than me, but he’s someone I looked up to in Fulham and he did really well back then – so that’s one for the picture books.”

Stay up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers on the Scottish Sun football page