Leigh Griffiths says Tom Rogic exit would have been massive loss to Celtic; hails unseen influence

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Leigh Griffiths has hailed the unseen influence of Tom Rogic inside the Celtic dressing room, telling The Celtic View (11/11 print edition, page 14) that he’s glad the Australian didn’t leave during the transfer window.

Celtic were reported to have accepted a multi-million-pound offer from an unnamed Qatari side during the summer (Daily Mail), but Rogic decided he didn’t want the move and stayed to fight for his place in Neil Lennon’s side.

He’s had to remain patient for opportunities but, after returning to full fitness, the attacking midfielder has burst into the starting eleven once again and appears to be back at his best.

The Australian has laid on a number of assists for his teammates in recent matches and linked up superbly with the rest of the attacking talent at the manager’s disposal.

His skills are clear to see, but Griffiths has hailed another side to his presence at Celtic.

The striker told The Celtic View (11/11 print edition, page 14): “If he’d left the club in the summer he’d have been a massive loss to Celtic on the pitch, obviously, but he’d have been a massive loss to the boys in the dressing room as well.

“He’s a big character in there, he goes about his business pretty quietly, but he’s always involved and always has been during my time here at the club.

“He’d have been a massive loss, but thankfully we’ve managed to keep a hold of him.

“The impact he’s made over the course of the last few games has been brilliant.”

When Celtic were reported to have accepted the bid from abroad, you could understand why.

Rogic had been suffering from long-term injury and fitness issues and hadn’t really consistently impressed for over a year.

However, it’s clear now from his recent form and Griffiths’ comments that selling him would have been a huge mistake.

Not only would we have not had the attacking spark he’s brought to the team in recent weeks, but it’s a sale that could have had ramifications for the morale of an already stressed dressing room.

Thankfully he has stayed and, with his contract not expiring until 2023, we could be enjoying his magical ability for years yet.

In other news, Celtic have arranged a friendly for reserve and fringe players to get some match action.