In news that will encourage Socceroos fans, talented attacking midfielder Tom Rogic is back on the park, playing for Celtic’s Development squad on Tuesday (AEDT).
The 22-year-old played the first 45 minutes in the Bhoys’ 2-0 win over Motherwell, putting aside months of frustration for the injury-plagued playmaker.
Rogic, who missed selection for both the World Cup and Asian Cup due to injury, showed some promising signs in the hit-out but he will be relieved just to be back out on the pitch.
The ex-Central Coast Mariner and Melbourne Victory midfielder will be hoping this is the start of a good run of games to reinvigorate his national team career.
His last competitive match came with Victory – where he was on loan – towards the end of last Hyundai A-League season, while his last senior appearance for Celtic came back in November 2013.
Rogic, who has another two years to run on his Celtic contract, has managed just 15 appearances for the Bhoys over the last two years.
If the former Nike Chance winner can get a few games under his belt between now and the end of the season it could see him back in the frame for June’s start of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou is a big fan of Rogic’s talent and his creativity would add yet another dimension to Australia’s attacking game.