Neil Lennon has reminded Australia assistant manager Rene Meulensteen who’s in charge with a brilliant message during Friday’s press conference.
The Celtic boss was speaking to the media ahead of our league game against St. Mirren at Parkhead tomorrow, when a question over Tom Rogic arose.
Lennon was asked for his thoughts on Meulensteen’s comments, after the Dutchman said that Rogic shouldn’t be spending time on the bench.
“He’ll play if I pick him,” Lennon brilliantly replied, as shown on the club’s official YouTube video.
“He’s played quite regularly of late, played against Copenhagen, played really well.
“He made a great contribution on Sunday. He made a great contribution on Wednesday, and he’s in the squad for tomorrow.”
Lennon picks the Celtic team, not Meulensteen
Rogic has appeared in our last four matches with his late equaliser at Livingston perhaps signalling that he is ready to properly make an impression again.
He’s benefitted from Olivier Ntcham and Ryan Christie spending some time out of the team but time will tell whether he can keep his place once they’re both back up to speed.
But playing or not playing Rogic is Lennon’s decision. And he’s totally right to remind Meulensteen of that.
The Aussie coach is obviously looking out for his own employer’s interests but that is of little concern to Celtic.
If Rogic is good enough, he will feature. But the harsh reality is that he’s not been the same player for the last 18 months or so.
That, and the emergence of Christie, has damaged him immensely.
Time will tell whether he can recover fully. Starting this weekend against St. Mirren.
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