Parkhead Euro nights will stand me in good stead for Russia SAYS TOM ROGIC
It’s another stage to test myself. We‘re certainly going to be confident
TOM ROGIC believes his European experience with Celtic will help him shine on his World Cup debut. And he is hoping to have plenty of Scottish backing as Australia try to emerge from a ‘Group of Death’ that pits the Socceroos against France, Peru and Denmark.
The swaggering midfielder is confident the team unit put together by Bert van Marwijk will have enough quality to make the knockout stages.
With a double Treble to show for his recent efforts and a new long-term contract safely tucked away, Rogic can hardly wait for the new challenge.
‘It’s going to be new to me, having never played in a World Cup before,’ he admitted. ‘But I’ve certainly played in big matches on a big stage with Celtic, the great Champions League nights give you a taste of what it will be like in Russia, I think.
‘International football I find a bit different to club football, to be honest.’
Australia’s opening fixture, against France on Saturday week, is likely to see Rogic go head-to-head with £89million man Paul Pogba. Not to mention N’Golo Kante and Juventus destroyer Blaise Matuidi.
If that sounds daunting, it is unlikely to faze a player who has faced Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in the course of the past two seasons.
Asked about that opener against France, in general, and Pogba in particular, Rogic admitted: ‘It’s obviously going to be difficult.
‘And it was going to be, no matter which group we were drawn in. Because these are the best countries in the world.
‘As a player, it’s another stage to test myself. And we’re certainly confident, as a country, that we can be as competitive as possible — and progress through the tournament.’
There is genuine confidence Down Under about this group of players, despite the current crop lacking some of the star qualify boasted by the ‘golden generation’.
Former Liverpool star Harry Kewell, a key part of that gilded era, has declared the present side to be even more impressive because of their lack of stand-out stars.
Yet Kewell, among others, has singled Rogic out as the man who makes the team tick — the playmaker whose ability to pick a pass or break a game with a stunning goal has become vital to Aussie hopes.
Graham Arnold, who will take over from Van Marwijk as Socceroos head coach after the World Cup, is clear that the team will be built around Rogic.
Arnold, who recalls picking up Rogic for ‘maybe 13,000 dollars’ when he was in charge of Central Coast Mariners, said: ‘He’s a special talent. And he’s still got more left in him — he will go to another level.
‘He’s always up for a challenge, he learns very quickly. So I expect to see him shine at the World Cup.’
Addressing his status as a key man for his country, a role he has increasingly played for Celtic, Rogic admitted: ‘Yeah, I enjoy that.
‘But, again, it’s a collective thing. And it’s a different feeling when you get to represent your country.
‘It’s obviously another proud moment and anyway you can contribute or play a part in your country’s success is enough motivation to keep you doing everything you can.’
The Aussies have been tipped by no less a judge than Jose Mourinho as dark horses, the Manchester United boss predicting that they will emerge from Group C alongside France.
Finishing second to the French could see them pitted against Argentina in the round of 16.
That would generate huge interest back home, obviously. And, maybe, a little stirring of excitement here in Scotland.
Without our own team to support in Russia, fans may well fall back on club loyalties as they look for an alternative, Rogic noting: ‘It’s a nice bonus to think we’ll have Celtic fans supporting us, just a bit.
‘It’s disappointing that Scotland aren’t going to be at the World Cup, having not qualified. But, hopefully, a few more take interest in Australia.’