"We were written off"; Celtic hero hits back at loudmouth critics in rare interview

By John McGinley

April 28, 2022

Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic has admitted it’s ‘nice’ to prove people wrong who wrote the Bhoys off so early in the season.

Rogic and his teammates got off to a sluggish start at the start of the campaign, owing mostly to the vast rebuild Ange Postecoglou had to undertake in an effort to make Celtic competitive again.

Celtic lost three of the opening six matches in the Premiership and went through a period of five defeats in eight games across all competitions.

Tom Rogic is enjoying silencing Celtic critics

Now heavy favourites to win the title, Rogic is taking satisfaction from silencing the critics.

As quoted by The Scottish Daily Mail [28/04 print edition, page 80], he said: “At the start of the season we were written off quite early. It’s funny sometimes when people write you off early.

“I don’t think it is extra motivation but it is nice to prove people wrong. But that wasn’t really our focus. We knew if we played to our ability and the level of effort was there, the results would come.

“It took a bit of time to get everyone together but, once we did, we gelled pretty good. To perform the way we have and to play the football we have is pleasing — and results have come off the back of the hard work.

“A season is always difficult, it’s always quite gruelling. You always have to earn it.”

Rogic doesn’t often face the press. He generally keeps himself to himself save for the odd post-match appearance on Sky Sports. However, when he does speak, he always represents the club well.

Yesterday the press questions were inescapable due to his PFA Player Of The Year nomination and it’s great to hear his thoughts on the season, Ange Postecoglou and his Celtic future.

Some have criticised the decision to nominate him for this award but realistically you could take your pick from six or seven Celtic players to be put forward. Rogic has had a great campaign and doesn’t deserve to be torn down just so people can make a point.

He’s also going to play a massive role in the remaining four games, so here’s hoping for a bit more magic from the wizard.

In other news, The Tom Rogic Celtic message that highlights dressing-room unity.