Ange Postecoglou has stated that he wants to keep the Australian connection rolling at Celtic as he keeps his eye open for the next Tom Rogic.
Rogic called time on his Parkhead playing days after a stunning 9 years at the club. He leaves as Celtic’s most successful Australian ever after securing as many as 17 trophies at Parkhead [Transfermarkt].
Celtic have been blessed with some talented Australians over the years including Mark Viduka and Scott McDonald. And Ange wants to continue that Aussie connection in Glasgow in the coming years.
The Hoops boss has been speaking to Rowey’s Sports Show after our Premiership title win last week as he looked ahead to potential incomings from his home nation:
“I think we’ve got 2 or 3 Aussies playing in the Scottish Premiership next year at other clubs. It is a market that everyone looks at. Whilst the A-League’s been through a bit of a tough time, I think what I have noticed particularly over the last 12 months is that young players are getting an opportunity which I think in the long-term is probably a good thing.
“I’m always looking and if the next Tommy Rogic comes along then yes. This football club has a tradition of having Aussies through here from Mark Viduka, Scott McDonald, Jackson Irvine. So there’s always been an Aussie connection. I’ll try and make that continue.”
Ange Postecoglou open to bringing more Australians to Celtic Park
It would be fantastic if Celtic were able to keep that Oz influence within the team. However, you don’t get the feeling Ange will be rushing to sign players from his homeland if they aren’t of the standard required.
Remember, when Rogic arrived all the way back in 2013, he signed on at Parkhead as a long-term project. He wasn’t one to come in immediately and make an impact. In fact, it took him around 2 years to start showing what he was all about.
So any arrival that does come from Australia will likely be of the same profile. An individual that will need time to develop and adapt to what Scottish football wants from him.
Celtic have yet to actually be linked with any A-League talents ever since Ange arrived. It doesn’t look as though he’s seeing anything at the moment he’s itching to make his move for. And the reality is, there’s no overwhelming need either.
Ange has already outlined his intentions to continue exploring some of Scottish football’s unknown markets. He’ll continue to look for the best talent the J-League has to offer whilst he’s also admitted that he’s open to looking at places such as Iran and Korea too [The Scotsman]. Not areas you would traditionally associate with Scottish football scouting.
It’ll be interesting to see who we bring in this summer and where we source our targets from. But one thing’s for sure – if any breakthrough talent emerges from Australia, Ange will know all about it.
In other news, Confirmed: Celtic hero Carl Starfelt earns back-to-back Sweden call-ups
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