Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate has suggested that he would be interested in securing a fresh deal with Manchester City in the summer to ensure that Patrick Roberts remains at the club for next season.

Woodgate’s side brought Roberts to the Riverside on loan for the rest of the season from Manchester in January, with Boro in need of a player to provide more of a creative spark in the final third - and the winger made an instant impression in his first start in the league winning a penalty with a typically mazy dribble in a 2-2 draw against Derby County.

However, Roberts has been limited to just three appearances for the club so far in the Championship, having suffered an injury which has kept him out for Boro during the last few months, but the winger is nearing a potential return to fitness and could be key to Woodgate’s sides hopes of survival.

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Speaking to the Northern Echo, Woodgate revealed that he would be keen to ensure that Boro manage to bring Roberts back to the club in the summer, and suggested that he has the ability to make things happen for his side.

He said: "I’d love him for next season, I told him that after his first game.

"He needs regular football and I believe in him as a player, he’s a really good player.

"He can create something out of nothing, he’s got that bit of brilliance about him. When the game is not going to plan at times he can do something and win you the game. He’s got that in his locker.

"He can produce something out of nothing and I am really pleased to have him back."

The verdict

Woodgate’s comments clearly reflect the impact that Roberts has had on the side during what has been limited appearances so far due to injury, but you could see straight away with his initial performances against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup and Derby in the league that he can add an extra dimension to the team.

It is therefore little surprise to see Woodgate be eager to ensure that his stay at the Riverside is extended beyond the season, and he will be hoping that the club can do all they can to ensure that they agree a fresh deal with Manchester City for the winger in the summer.

However, that could all well depend on what division Boro are playing in from next season, with the club needing to ensure they avoid relegation to League One, if they are going to be able to bring players in next season to improve the squad and help them build under Woodgate.

Roberts could well be key to helping ensure that Boro do manage to survive, with the winger’s return to fitness likely to be a huge boost for Middlesbrough and provide them with that extra bit of quality during the final nine matches of the Championship season.