Liverpool test is a family affair for Norwich City new boy

Patrick Roberts has an extra special reason to force his way into the Norwich City line up for the Premier League kick off at Liverpool.

The Manchester City loanee hails from a Merseyside family and is keen to press his claims during pre-season to feature at the Champions League winners on August 9.

"Both Mum and Dad are from Liverpool. Mum is blue, Dad is red," he said. "My Mum's Dad used to play for Everton. My brother chose red and so did I. It doesn't really matter up there. It's family at the end of the day.

"I have never played at Anfield so that would be a special thing to do. Liverpool, champions of Europe, what a test for us.

"It will be tough this season. We know that but the same for every team. A newly promoted team knows it will be difficult but it is a challenge we are looking forward to. Anything is possible. I watched this squad a few times last season and they had a few good young players. I like the way the manager plays and after the first few training sessions and games I have fitted in right away."

THE BIG INTERVIEW: Farke on transfer spending, Premier League plans and no regretsRoberts already looks a quality addition following three outings on the club's pre-season German tour, after sporting director Stuart Webber revealed earlier this summer he had pursued the 22-year-old attacker for a long time.

"When I met Stuart he did say he had tried to get me when he was at Huddersfield and I went to Celtic, and he tried again when Norwich was in the Championship but he didn't think it was likely," he said. "Then he tried again in the Premier League. I was quite surprised but it is good for me that someone has that belief and they want to bring you in. It was a simple decision. You want to play football and for someone who has that confidence in you to go and express yourself.

"I spoke to Gunny (Angus Gunn) before I came about the manager and the club and he obviously loves this club so it was quite easy for him. He said it would be a great opportunity for me, I was thinking seriously about it anyway and it certainly helped make my mind up.

"I've extended my contract at City as well, so they still want me around, and that gives me another bit of confidence and they backed my decision to come to Norwich, and they will give me all the support I need."