Tom Rogic has been a mainstay at Celtic since Ange Postecoglou took charge at Parkhead this summer, but the Bhoys boss expects more from the midfielder, via the Glasgow Times.
The Australian has featured in all 21 of the Hoops’ fixtures so far under his compatriot, and started 14 games. He has also seen out the full 90-minutes on three occasions, after only hearing the final whistle twice last term. In a campaign featuring just 14 starts altogether.
Rogic has responded to Postecoglou’s faith by offering four assists across all competitions in games Celtic went on to win. The 28-year-old also scored his only goal of the campaign so far against Dundee, and the Bhoys boss knows he can produce ‘special’ moments.
Yet Postecoglou believes Rogic has even more to offer Celtic, despite previous issues that have seen his consistency questioned.
“I know Tom well and have always felt that he’s got something special about him,” said Postecoglou. “He’s one of those players who most people would say they enjoy watching. He’s just got something different about him. Yes, he’s had some issues, but sometimes I think he’s one of the players who people want to put in a certain box.
“Throughout his career, he’s done some remarkable things. He’s had a fantastic career here with Celtic. You don’t stay at a football club like this unless you have something to offer. I still think there’s more to come. He’s only 28. In many respects his best football years could be ahead of him. Hopefully that continues.”
Rogic doing ‘everything right’ for Postecoglou at Celtic
Postecoglou’s praise for what Rogic can produce with Celtic extends off the Parkhead pitch, as well. The former Socceroos coach adds the £16k-a-week midfielder has been giving his all on and off the field. But the Bhoys still must be mindful not to burn him out.
Noting: “He works really hard in training. Since I’ve been here, knock on wood, he’s done everything right on and off the field. I think he’s looking strong in games. In some games we’ve taken him off only because we’ve wanted to change the dynamic a little bit rather than due to fitness. We’ve just got to be careful with them not to tip them over the edge.”
Rogic is already showing more for Celtic under Postecoglou than he managed last season in his number of appearances. The 47-cap Australia international has already matched his 14 starts in 10 fewer appearances, and is nearing his minutes haul.
He featured for 1,408-minutes over 31 games in all competitions last season, compared to 1,172 in 21 games this term. And Rogic can edge closer to his 2020/21 tally on Wednesday night when Postecoglou takes Celtic to face Hibernian.
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