Tom Rogic to join Vegalta Sendai on loan

Celtic have agreed to loan Socceroo young gun Tom Rogic to Vegalta Sendai, the Japanese club coached by former mentor Graham Arnold.

Celtic have agreed to loan Socceroo young gun Tom Rogic to Vegalta Sendai, the Japanese club coached by former mentor Graham Arnold.

After Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou last year suggested Rogic needed to go out on loan to get game time ahead of the World Cup, Celtic boss Neil Lennon angrily replied that the Scottish powerhouse should decide whether to load Rogic, not Australia.

But with the 21-year-old from Griffith no closer to regular football in the new year, Lennon has softened his stance and agreed to the deal.

"There is interest from Graham Arnold's team in Japan. We have agreed to do that [loan him]," Lennon told the Evening Times in Glasgow.

"I can't guarantee Tom game in, game out. And I think that's what he needs at the minute.

"He has only had 31 professional games in his career so some people are expecting him to run before he can walk.

"Kris Commons is playing so well in that position, and I have other options in that position as well. It will be good for Tom to go and get some football."

Rogic joined Celtic this time last year but he has made just five starts from 14 appearances, with his last match back in November when he came off the bench late in the Champions League match against AC Milan.