How Tom Rogic is feeling after Celtic man produces exceptional Australia display

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There’s over 10,000 miles between Glasgow and Griffith, Australian Capital Territory, the birthplace of Celtic and Australia star Tom Rogic.

That’s long enough at the best of times. Google tells me it’s a journey that takes over a day, with connecting flights. Imagine how that distance felt for Tom Rogic, then, with 2 years of a Covid-19 pandemic.

Rogic shone for Australia today, but there was more than football at play here. Finally getting to see friends and family after 2 years apart from his home country, the Wizard of Oz has absolutely inspired as his side saw off Vietnam 4-0.

His performance got Australia and Celtic supporters talking, with an assist and a goal to his name. There were even Zidane comparisons. As far as Rogic himself though, the pride and relief he felt were palpable after a massive win for the Socceroos.

Rogic said after the game [FTBL]: “We knew the significance of the game in terms of qualification.

“It was a good performance from the team in general. We maybe got a little bit sloppy in the second half but, overall, I think it’s a good day’s work and I was just happy to be back playing in Australia,

“It’s probably been a couple of years since I’ve seen family and friends and there was a few in the crowd.

“We’ve got a bit of work to do in terms of qualification but we are on the right track now.”

The forgotten part of why today was so important for Tom Rogic, Australia and Celtic star

I’ll admit, I hadn’t really thought of this.

For players like Rogic, veterans at Celtic by this stage, their presence at Lennoxtown and Celtic Park is something to be taken for granted, to a degree. We know that when he’s on form, he’ll get picked for Australia. But, and maybe it’s just me, I didn’t consider how long it must’ve been since he’d been home.

Australia haven’t exactly been spoilt for home games of late. Their last was against Saudi Arabia, a match that Tom Rogic missed through injury [Transfermarkt].

So, today wasn’t just an opportunity to again prove himself to Australia fans, but to actually feel home comforts for the first time in what must feel like a very, very long time.

That’s really important. Perhaps Tom Rogic doesn’t get particularly homesick, but for anyone, that’d be tough.

The morale boost from both his performance and the chance to experience home cooking for the first time in literal years ought to be significant. And while it’s a blow to lose him temporarily in a Celtic jersey, this’ll surely have an impact longer-term.

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