Celtic and the Caltex Socceroos have received a nice early Christmas present with news playmaker Tom Rogic has been cleared of a serious ankle injury and could be back before New Year's Eve.
Rogic was forced off at half-time of the weekend’s 2-1 win over Dundee after he was on the end of a heavy tackle from behind from ex-Hoops team-mate Darren O’Dea.
The 24-year-old missed Wednesday morning’s Scottish Premier League clash with Ryan Edwards’ Partick Thistle, which Celtic won 1-0.
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While it was originally feared Rogic could be set for an extended period on the sidelines, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed the former Nike Chance winner should play again before the New Year.
“He [Rogic] should be fine,” said Rodgers after this morning’s [AEDT] clash with Thistle.
“He’s got a knock to his ankle but we are hopeful he’ll be back for Ross County.”
That clash with Ross County comes on December 29, although Rogic is expected to miss Celtic’s next match against Hamilton Academical on Christmas Eve.
The injury has been the only blemish on a sensational season so far for Rogic, who has 10 goals and five assists in all competitions for the runaway SPL leaders.