Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed that last night’s hero Tom Rogic wasn’t keen on starting against Livingston.
Rogic was the man as the Hoops extended their lead over Rangers at the top of the Premiership to 13 points. The big Aussie netted a late equaliser at the Tony Macaroni Arena to spare our blushes on a tough night in West Lothian.
His goal also came after coming on as a sub for the final 25 minutes of the game when Celtic got desperate. The talented playmaker has generally had trouble starting matches on astroturf due to bad knee injuries.
However, speaking in comments published by the Scottish Sun, Lennon has admitted that he wanted to start Rogic last night but the player himself wasn’t keen.
“I’m pleased for Tom. He has an knee issue and astroturf is not his favourite surface. I wanted to start him but he was not keen but we got 25 minutes out of him and he got his goal.
“It’s a privilege to manage this team – we were outstanding. We absolutely battered them in the second half and a draw was the least we deserved.
“Against a difficult opponent on a difficult pitch we were absolutely outstanding. I had total belief we could get an equaliser and Tom came up with the goods.”
Rogic needs to start making more of an impact
It was a positive for Rogic that he managed to net a late leveler. Not only because of the fact it secured us a point and extended our lead at the top, but because he needs to start making more of an impact in these cameo displays.
Last night was the fifth time in our last six league games where he’s come on as a late substitute. Against the likes of Aberdeen, Hamilton, and Kilmarnock in recent weeks he’s struggled to make himself an influential figure on the game.
It’s no surprise then that he continually finds himself on the bench. Ryan Christie has been starting ahead of him in recent weeks, so it was vital that Rogic came up with something to give him a boost.
It’s unlikely that his goal will lead to him starting games more regularly. However, it’s a timely reminder to Lennon about what he’s capable of if given time on the pitch. When Celtic take on St Mirren on Saturday, you wouldn’t be surprised to see Rogic in the starting XI or indeed be the first sub to come on.
Whatever happens, this goal has to be the catalyst for Tom to kick on. It’s been a slow start to 2020 for him, and he’ll want to throw himself back into contention.
Here’s hoping that crucial goal last night gives him the boost he needs.
What did you make of Tom Rogic’s overall performance last night? Do you think he should be in the starting line-up more often? Let us know your verdict in the discussion forum below.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
