Young Central Coast Mariners star Tomas Rogic is to fly out on Thursday to trial with Scottish heavyweights Glasgow Celtic at their mid-season training camp in Spain.
The Mariners announced his departure on Wednesday but said no offer had yet been tabled for the 20-year-old attacking midfielder who recently made his Socceroos debut.
However, a move could well be on the cards within the January transfer window after his short trial stint.
Celtic are in Spain preparing for the second half of the Scottish Premier League season as well as their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie against Italian giants Juventus starting in February.
Rogic is expected to participate in training as well as sports science and fitness testing.
“This is a great opportunity for Tomas to train with Celtic’s first team squad,” said Mariners football general manager Lawrie McKinna.
“Tom will undoubtedly learn a lot from the experience.”
Because he is serving a three-match suspension, Rogic will not miss any games for A-League leaders the Mariners before returning on January 17, in time to resume playing in the home derby clash with Newcastle Jets two days later.
A move from English Premier League strugglers Reading to sign Rogic foundered this week amid concern that a league relegation survival battle would not be a good environment for such a young player.
MV Dave
Guest
Looks like QPRS have stepped in with a $700,000, no trial, offer for immediate effect with Celtic said to be ready to make an offer and a couple of Spanish clubs taking a look also, according to TWG website. Not too shabby...
Steve
Guest
Good move, yeah our work permit rules down here kill me, Reading supporters say good luck kid. Get some experience in a better league, and maybe we can try to sign you again.