TOM LOSS ‘NOT FAIR ON BHOYS’

Celtic 3 Dundee 0

BRENDAN RODGERS has braced himself for the loss of Tom Rogic for Celtic’s Old Firm clash next week to go on international duty with Australia.

The Hoops boss had hoped his midfielder (inset) would have been allowed to play against Rangers at Ibrox on December 29.

But the Football Federation of Australia wants its entire squad to meet in Dubai on December 27, the day after the leaders play Aberdeen at Pittodrie, to prepare for the Asian Cup. Australia play their first game of the competition against Jordan on January 6.

After the 3-0 home win over Dundee at Parkhead, where 19-year-old Mikey Johnston (top, left) scored twice before Filip Benkovic added a third, Rodgers said: “Tom will play in the Aberdeen game and he will fly out after that. “He will miss the Rangers game as far as I am aware. It is a shame for him, a shame for us. We feel a sensible compromise could have been taken for all the players within their squad because you can’t say it is the same for everyone. Everyone is different, playing at different clubs and different levels. “But if he is not involved, it is a shame, but we will just have to prepare without him.” Johnston, standing in for the injured Odsonne Edouard, scored with a drive in the 42nd minute and a header just after the break. Defender Benkovic added a third in the 69th minute to stretch the Hoops’ lead at the top.

LADBROKES PREMIER