A FORMER Molesey Juniors footballer showed his desire to play Champions League football last week, having already turned his back on an England U19 cap.

Winger Patrick Roberts forfeited an opportunity to be with England U19s at this summer’s European Championship to try and get Scottish champions Celtic into the Champions League group stages.

The dream nearly turned sour at the first attempt as the 19-year-old was left on the bench for the Hoops’ shock 1-0 second qualifying round first leg defeat to Gibraltar part-timers Lincoln Red Imps earlier this month.

Kingston-born Roberts, who signed for AFC Wimbledon as a 13-year-old, was one of five changes boss Brendan Rodgers made for the return game in Glasgow last week.

And, in a man-of-the-match performance, he scored the clinching third goal in the first half of a 3-0 triumph after defender Mikael Lustig and striker Leigh Griffiths had turned the tie in their side’s favour.

Celtic won the second qualifying round tie 3-1 on aggregate to set up Wednesday’s third qualifying round first leg clash with FC Astana in Kazakhstan, which Celtic drew 1-1.

Should they progress Roberts - and Celtic - will stand just one more round from a place in the last 32 of the competition.

England U19s, managed by Aidy Boothroyd, suffered a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Italy in Mannheim last week and Roberts - on loan at Parkhead from Manchester City since January - knew where he would rather be.

“They [England] are out there in Germany playing and I wanted to play in the Champions League which has always been my dream,” said Roberts, who switched to City from Fulham last summer in a reported £12m move.

“I respect the manager, he has to do what he can do for Celtic. I will always be there, I will always be happy and wanting to play.

“The manager has a lot of players and chooses the team. I am always ready and waiting to play.

“I enjoy playing football and have done since I was a kid and when I get out there I try to do my best for the team.

“I have always believed in my ability and always want to play at the highest level. I will give 100 per cent to do that.”

Rodgers was spotted in Cobham last year taking a look round Notre Dame School amid speculation he was in the running to be Jose Mourinho’s permanent replacement at Chelsea.

He was appointed Celtic boss on a rolling 12-month contract in May this year, replacing Norwegian Ronny Deila.