Manchester City v Dundee has Phil Roberts fired up

Phil Roberts: Has high hopes. Picture: SNS

The 20-year-old became Paul Hartley’s first summer signing on a two-year deal yesterday as the title-winning Dens Park side began gearing up for their return to the top flight next season.

Hartley’s side, who clinched promotion from the Championship thanks to last weekend’s 2-1 triumph over Dumbarton, will host Manuel Pellegrini’s star-studded outfit at Dens Park on 13 July.

City need just one point at home to West Ham United on Sunday to clinch their second Premiership crown in three years and could bring a string of stars, such as Joe Hart, David Silva and Yaya Toure, to grace Dens in just over two month’s time.

And former Arsenal youth Roberts would love to play on a bigger stage down south.

He said: “It’s a great way to start my career here. This was the first I’ve heard about it but it’s something to look forward to straight away.

“To be playing possibly the best team in England is special.

“It’s nice to think that you can test yourself against some of the top players in the world. It’s a big game and it gives the fans something to get excited about.

“It’s an exciting place and I’m excited to be here. It looks like the whole club is going places.

“I believe I can become a Premiership footballer. I would love to get there one day.”

Roberts was released by Falkirk back in March following a controversial sending-off during their 3-0 league defeat at the hands of Alloa.

But the London-born attacker insists he’s forgotten about the past and is fully focused on kick-starting his career on Tayside.

Roberts, 20, said: “I got sent-off and reacted. Me and the club thought at the time it was maybe best to call it a day. Now I’ve come here for a fresh start. What’s happened is history.

“Paul [Hartley] spoke with my agent and Dundee made it clear they wanted me. This is the place to be for me and it’s up to me to show that.”