Celtic’s Scottish Premiership champion Tom Rogic is expected to be a key player for Graham Arnold in the Australia national team.
Suddenly, Tom Rogic’s importance to the Australia national team has increased. The retirements of both Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak means the Celtic midfielder is now one of his countries’ most senior players, and new Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is understandably keen to get the best out of him.
Rogic has had a fine start to the season at domestic level for Celtic. The play-maker was at his masterful best in the 6-0 thrashing of St Johnstone before the intentional break, setting up three goals in a brilliant creative performance.
And, in quotes reported by the Sunshine Coast Daily, Arnold has lauded Rogic’s talents as he looks to put his stamp on the Australia squad.
“Tommy’s an important piece in the team but also for Australian football,” Said Arnold, who coached Rogic at Central Coast Mariners before his 2013 move to Celtic.
“He’s a player that excites everyone. He does it every week at Celtic. When I watch him every week I’m very proud to have been a part of his career in the past. I only see Tommy Rogic going to another level with us over the next four years.
“Tommy will be given more freedom on the field to express himself but also to show his qualities and I know with that freedom we’ll see a different Tommy Rogic.”
Rogic has represented his country 40 times for his country since his debut in 2012, scoring seven times, and started in central midfield in Australia’s World Cup campaign in Russia.
He will be crucial if Arnold is to shelve his reputation as a somewhat pragmatic coach and win over the cynics in the biggest job Down Under.
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