Opinion

Celtic shouldn’t risk rushing back Tom Rogic to play Rangers

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Celtic derby hero Tom Rogic is nursing himself back to fitness in Lennoxtown at the moment.

The quick footed Australian has been out injured since the turn of the year.

His return date is as hazy as his whereabouts since picking up a knee injury with the national side.

Due to the nature of Sunday’s clash against Rangers, it might be best that he doesn’t feature to help his recovery.

Celtic must take care of their derby hero Rogic

Everyone is desperate to see the 26-year-old back on the pitch but he shouldn’t be rushed back for one game.

Tom Rogic loves a game against rivals Rangers. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He is so important to the Hoops that if he wasn’t fit and did damage on Sunday then it’ll have a lasting effect.

The Bhoys have a massive run-in between now and the end of the season as they target another treble.

Former manager Brendan Rodgers said at the beginning of February that it’ll take six weeks for Rogic to return.

Those have now passed and he is out on the training pitch but Neil Lennon hasn’t revealed if the Aussie will feature.

The attacking midfielder loves the massive occasions and this might be one extra that he has to sit out.

Celtic face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final after knocking out Rangers. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

In the long run, this game isn’t as important or memorable as the semi-final and potential final of the Scottish Cup will be.

Celtic are short on attacking midfielders

There is an argument that because of the lack of attacking midfielders in the team that he should be fired in.

Ryan Christie is still out and Ewan Henderson is far from being in the fold for a game like this.

Callum McGregor could play there but he’s been much more effective in the centre with Scott Brown.

Callum McGregor is better beside Scott Brown in Celtic team. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Perhaps the Rangers game is the best occasion to bleed Rogic back into the team as it won’t come more physical than that this season.

Whatever Lennon decides to do, he must win this game to restore the pride of the Celtic fans.

The short-term derby bragging rights have been with Rangers and the Hoops faithful want them back.

Hopefully the Irishman picks the right squad for the job but is also weary of the long-term at the same time.