Hoops boss Neil Lennon says Tom Rogic could return for Celtic’s next match away to Hamilton Accies on September 14th, The Scottish Sun report.
Rogic has been completely absent from first-team action since the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts in May due to injury.
He missed the entirety of the squad’s pre-season preparations and has only recently returned to training.
Lennon though has been impressed with the player’s fitness and reckons he could be ready to make an impact in his team very shortly.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the Celtic Park boss said: “I’m hoping to get Tom Rogic back in contention for the squad for the Hamilton game.
“He looks brilliant. He’s in great condition, he’s lost weight and he’s training well.”
International break is a big opportunity
Despite comments from Australia manager Graham Arnold last month, Rogic was not called up to Australia’s most recent international squad.
Clearly the priority is for the player to get back to playing with Celtic first and foremost. He’s missed too many matches over the last 12 months for the Hoops to consider playing for his country before his club.
The next week is a big opportunity for the player to work on his fitness and further prove to Lennon he is ready to play in the Scottish Premiership.
Ryan Christie has started the season in flying form and the Australian could find it’s difficult for him to break into the team.
Rogic though has an ability unique to the Celtic squad when on top form. Everyone will be hoping he has magic in his feet when he returns to action.
That he’s lost weight and looks motivated in training is a great sign he is ready for upcoming challenges.
At the very least his return is a big boost to Lennon’s options ahead of an important Autumn period.
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