Hrustic is determined to follow old gaffer Ange

EINTRACHT FRANKFURT star Ajdin Hrustic was mentored by Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou — and he’s desperate to continue Australian dominance over Rangers in tomorrow’s Europa League final. The Socceroos midfielder is a key part of Eintracht’s squad after joining two years ago from Groningen. But he spent his formative years working with the Hoops boss when he was a kid with South Melbourne and Postecoglou was manager with them and the national team. ‘Ange coached me when I was a little boy,’ said Hrustic. ‘I left Australia when I was quite young and he coached me at the age of 11. ‘We keep in touch. I had him with the national team, too, and he’s a great manager. He’s proving himself and I’m happy for him. ‘He’s a manager I loved working under, so I wish him all the best. ‘I haven’t spoken to him yet about the game. Maybe I’ll have to pick up some information. We’re playing the final, so we obviously want to win. Let’s hope we can keep the Aussies on top. ‘For me personally, he gave me my debut for the national team, so it’s something I’ll always remember and keep in my heart. I’m happy for him for doing what he’s doing. ‘You see the way he wants to play football. The confidence he gives players is something magnificent. ‘It’s small things, the detail that makes it count on the pitch.’ Hrustic is also an admirer of another Australian who has enjoyed tremendous success for Celtic against Rangers — international team-mate Tom Rogic, who has just announced his departure from Celtic. He said: ‘I’m in contact with Tommy. I’ll see Tommy after the Europa League final. ‘We’ll meet in Qatar with the national team although I’ve not spoken to him recently. ‘I’ve heard he’s leaving Celtic and I wish him all the best. He’s a great person and a great player. I think he’s deserved a new challenge in his career. ‘He’s been at Celtic for something like ten years, so he’s given everything for the club and I’m happy for him. ‘The final against Rangers is obviously a big game, one of the biggest games for all of us in our careers. We’re ready to go on Wednesday.’