The 22-year-old completed the formalities of his switch on Thursday after his previous loan spell with Norwich City was brought to a conclusion.

Boro will be the fourth loan club of the youngster’s City career, having previously featured with Celtic, Girona, and Norwich.

Roberts, who represented England at every age up to Under-20, was a three-time league title winner with Celtic, where he established himself as a firm favourite, scoring 18 goals in 79 appearances.

Boro head coach Jonathan Woodgate said: “It’s great Patrick has signed up for the club.

“He’s an exciting player, he wants to play games, and he has the bit between his teeth.

“He fits the mould of what we’re looking at. He’s young and hungry, and wants to do well.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have a player of Patrick’s calibre at this football club.”

Roberts started his career at Fulham after joining them as a schoolboy from AFC Wimbledon. He joined City in the summer of 2015 on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee after making 22 appearances for Fulham.