Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton is impressed by the resurgence of Tom Rogic at the club under Ange Postecoglou, but has laid down a challenge for him.
In his column for the Daily Record, the spiky ex-Celt said it was up to Rogic, obviously a very talented player, to show his best form for Postecoglou.
The new Celtic boss was Rogic’s international manager between 2013 and 2017. In that time, the Bhoys midfielder played some of his best football, being relied upon by Postecoglou to be the Socceroos’ creative force in midfield.
With the pair reunited, Rogic has started the last couple of games to decent effect. Against Dundee, he scored from a sublime Christie assist. In Europe, against Jablonec, his first-touch and passing caused constant problems.
It’s a far cry from this time last year, when it looked like Rogic was leaving the club.
Chris Sutton wrote [Daily Record]:
Celtic 3-0 FK Jablonec | The glory of being back at a packed Paradise
“And about Tom Rogic? Fans had almost forgotten about him. A year ago he was on his way to Qatar and nothing much happened for him last term.
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“But maybe Postecoglou knows what makes him tick from their time with Australia and he can get him playing again.
“It would be a major boost if he does and Rogic can do things no one else can do at Parkhead. When he’s on song no one can touch him.
“The ball is in his court now. These are his peak years and it’s up to him what he does about it.”
Tom Rogic faces stern competition in the Celtic midfield, but has backing of Postecoglou
It’s genuinely great to see Tom Rogic playing well for Celtic again. The Australian international still has plenty of backing from the supporters, given the quality and importance of his contributions over the years.
Against Jablonec, he was a key attacking influence, and his tidy, mature play was a highlight.
However, there’s plenty of excellent competition in that midfield. Yes, Rogic has been effective in a deeper-lying role, next to Callum McGregor. However, in games where there’ll be more of a threat from our opposition, a more defensive-minded central midfielder will more likely be utilised.
There will be opportunities for Rogic, no doubt, but it’s hard to envision him starting the massive games; the likes of AZ Alkmaar, for example. Or, indeed, battles with Rangers throughout the league season.
With the quality of options Postecoglou has in his midfield, it’s not easy to imagine Rogic starting most games. David Turnbull, for example, potentially offers a bit more in the Australian’s preferred role. Alternatively, Soro or McCarthy can provide defensive steel, allowing McGregor to buzz around from box to box with possession of the ball.
Still, it’s a far better scenario for Rogic than most of us would’ve imagined last season. The goal compilations were out in force last summer. Really, we expected him to leave.
The fact he stayed to try to win the 10 shows how much he cares about our football club. That bodes well for him under a passionate boss like Postecoglou.