Roberts must be patient – Symons

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Fulham manager Kit Symons has told highly-rated teenager Patrick Roberts he still has a lot to learn before he is ready for regular first-team football.

The 18-year-old, who has been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, has played 18 times in the Championship this season, mostly in late substitute appearances.

Symons confirmed Roberts would not be in the squad for Friday’s Championship game against Bournemouth and instead would play for the club’s Under-21s against Manchester City on Saturday.

The Whites boss said: “Pat’s still only just 18. He’s a very young player who is still developing and still learning his trade.

“It’s important that if he’s not going to be in my squad that he gets some game time and continues his development.

“He’s a special talent but we’ve already spoken about how the Championship is a tough, unforgiving league and he’ll have to be patient.

“He will have to learn and develop. We’re a great club for young players to do that learning and developing, so he’s in a good place.”

One player who will be in the squad to face promotion-chasing Bournemouth is captain Scott Parker, who missed Tuesday’s defeat at Watford with a knee injury.

Defenders Tim Hoogland and Fernando Amorebieta are both in contention for their first starts in four months.

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