Tom follows gaffer’s orders atthedoubleDownUnder
TOM ROGIC described his cameo appearance for Australia in a World Cup qualifier in Adelaide as “fun” after he bagged a brace in the 7-0 drubbing of Tajikistan.
The midfielder might just find that the good times are set to roll after a week in which he has put himself firmly on the map for both club and country.
And the Aussie just about followed his manager’s orders as he set about maintaining the high he enjoyed before he left Celtic for international duty.
As Rogic left Rugby Park last Saturday to head straight for a 9pm connecting flight that marked the start the of long journey to his homeland, he was high-fived by Ronny Deila, as one left a press conference and the other headed into it. “Enjoy it,” said Deila with a smile as the two parted ways.
Rogic appears to be doing just that. Having netted what will doubtless end up as goal of the season this term for his 30-yard strike in Ayrshire, Rogic came off the bench to hit two in as many minutes and stake his claim for a place in the starting line-up for Tuesday’s game against Jordan in Sydney.
“Obviously you want to be starting,” Rogic said. “But you have to be ready to come on and it’s always a privilege to play for your country.
“I was just trying to be positive and was lucky to get a couple of goals.
“Two is nice, but it could’ve been three or four. I would’ve taken that before I went on so I’m delighted.”
Rogic, 23, is still in negotiations with Celtic about an extension to his current deal – he is under contract until 2017 – but talks appeared to have stalled of late.
However, both the club and the player remain positive that a deal will be agreed, with Rogic keen to stress he is enjoying his football at the minute.
“We’re still speaking to the club,” he said. “I’m very happy with Celtic and I’m enjoying my time here.
“Hopefully we can agree to something sooner rather than later.”
This season is the first time that Celtic fans have had the chance to gain a genuine insight into what Rogic can offer.
Having struggled with repeated injury issues since he was brought to the club by Neil Lennon, it is only this term that he has been able to sustain his place in the first team.
His run of appearances was curtailed when he twisted an ankle against Hamilton Accies at the end of January, a problem that meant he lost his place in the side.
Even so, he has clocked up 31 appearances for Celtic this term and with eight goals to his name so far, he has given an indica- tion of what he is capable of.
Leeds United have been credited with an interest in Rogic, so it remains to be seen whether he will opt to stay on i n Glasgow.
Certainly, though, with the climax to the season approaching it is to Deila’s benefit that he has a player hitting a purple patch.
Events last weekend have left the Parkhead side in the driving seat as they chase a fifth successive title while the upcoming William Hill Scottish Cup semifinal against Rangers looms large next month. Inevitably, Rogic is keen to play his way into the side that takes to the field at Hampden on Sunday, April 17.
THE Australian was not part of the squad when the teams met last February in the League Cup and Celtic coasted to a 2-0 win, but he hopes to play a significant role this time around.
“Yeah, it would be great to play in that one,” he said.
“But obviously it is a little while away and for now I just have to concentrate on getting back into the team. It has been a good season for me but the ankle injury kept me out for a bit and then it is hard to get back into the team.
“So for me just now it is all about trying to play regularly between now and the end of the season.
“Everyone wants to be a part of the big games but it is just a case of trying to show the manager what you can do.
“The next few weeks are all about us getting results now. Hopefully we can kick on.”