Despite all the dangers Rogic eyes great deeds

WHERE some would see only danger, Tom Rogic spies a place in history. The Australian midfielder is determined to help pen a new chapter of glory in Celtic’s long-running story against Barcelona.

Rogic knows the lasting fame Neil Lennon’s side achieved with victory over Lionel Messi et al in 2012. And how a team under Martin O’Neill’s management knocked the Catalans out of the UEFA Cup eight years earlier.

The Parkhead class of 2016 will be huge underdogs when they step out in the Nou Camp for this evening’s Champions League Group C opener.

Rogic, though, believes a squad high on confidence after Saturday’s Old Firm rout can rise to the epic challenge.

‘There is a bit of history between Celtic and Barcelona and there have been some fantastic results for us,’ reflected Rogic (pictured).

‘You would say they were historic moments, pretty special results to remember.

‘So, this is an opportunity for us as a new crop of players to do that, an opportunity to write history and do something special.

‘It’s massive and it’s something we’re not taking lightly. Hopefully, it will be a great night.’

Rogic feels Brendan Rodgers has injected genuine belief into the Celtic squad as they prepare for their toughest assignment yet. That was aided further by the 5-1 romp against Rangers, which continued a flawless start to the domestic season.

‘At the minute, we are in a good place,’ said Rogic. ‘The manager has brought a lot to the club and has taken us as a team to a new level.

‘The way we are playing, and with the quality we have, we should go into every match believing we can get a result. This is no different.

‘Saturday was maybe the perfect way to come in to this match. Take away the international break, we have been building momentum for some time.

‘We are back in this competition after two years and it’s nights like this we have wanted as a club and the fans deserve it.

‘As players, this is where we want to be competing. It’s exciting. We are looking forward to it.’

To stay smiling, Celtic will have to survive a Barca backlash. Luis Enrique is ready to bring back the divine attacking trident of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar after resting key players in Saturday’s shock 2-1 defeat from Alaves.

‘You expect the best players to be playing,’ said Rogic. ‘I know a few of them were rested at the weekend and spent time on the bench. But I would expect them all to be fit and firing for this match. We know it will be tough but we have to be ready for it.

‘Does the Alaves result affect us? It was going to be difficult either way. Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world and certainly don’t make a habit of losing or dropping points.

‘We know they will be looking to bounce back from that slip up. We can expect a difficult match.

‘There’s no doubt you’re talking about some of the best players in the world and, as a player, you want to test yourself against them.

‘It’s the pinnacle of club football, playing in the Champions League. It’s something for us to look forward to — to embrace and be ready for.

‘Yes, it is a glamourous match but we believe in ourselves. We are not here just to make up the numbers in the tournament. Far from it.

‘It is matches like this where we have to be ready and be together as a squad. Whichever way we shape up, we know we can do a job here and take something from the match.’

Celtic are used to dominating possession but will undoubtedly be starved of the ball for spells this evening.

Rogic is prepared for that. And he feels Rodgers is capable of producing the right tactical ploy to increase their chances of an unforgettable outcome.

‘We have been quite flexible since the manager came in and we’ve changed our shape a number of times,’ he said. ‘We will wait and see what the manager decides. You have to be wary and ready for them. ‘You can enjoy every match. It’s not necessarily always about having the ball all of the time. It’s what you do with it when you do have it. ‘It’s going to be difficult but we certainly have the quality to create chances and score goals. That’s what we will be looking to do at times in the match and, hopefully, we can

get a result.’