Neil Lennon provides fitness update on Tom Rogic

By John McGinley

August 25, 2019

Neil Lennon is hopeful of seeing Tom Rogic in Celtic side soon after the player returned to training at Lennoxtown, The Scottish Sun report.

The Australian international has been out of action since the Scottish Cup Final in May.

Lennon has tempered expectations on an immediate return to the squad, suggesting he still has fitness work to do.

However, it does sound like the player has worked hard to keep himself in decent shape despite being out injured.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the Hoops boss said: “Tom is still a little bit away. He’s training, but he missed the whole of pre-season. He’s got himself in good condition and hopefully we’ll see him soon.”

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Where does he fit into the current side?

Rogic, often a sensation as much as a frustration in the Celtic side, has his work cut out to make it back to regular action in the Hoops. That’s not just because of his fitness issues.

In his absence Ryan Christie has stormed to the front of the queue in the attacking midfield position. During the early goings this season, arguably no player has been more important than the 24-year-old.

The Scotland international has already scored eight goals and assisted three times in 10 appearances (Transfermarkt). As well as that output he’s tirelessly grafted for the side and given us an energy not seen when Rogic is in the side.

(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

There’s no doubt that the Australian is a wizard with the ball at peak form. He’s capable of doing things that no-one else is in the Hoops squad. As the season progresses he could well prove to be a key player.

Certainly in tight matches against packed defences he has the vision to come up with a crucial bit of creativity or a goal for himself.

However, he’s going to have to earn his opportunities in Lennon’s side over the next few months. The manager has made it clear he expects enthusiasm and work ethic as much as skill from his players.

With Christie providing stronger positional competition than at any other time during Rogic’s Hoops career, time will tell whether the 26-year-old can reclaim his throne.