Tom Rogic is looking forward to more excitement under Brendan Rodgers after celebrating his new Celtic contract in style against Motherwell on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old Socceroos midfielder signed a new deal on Tuesday which keeps him at the Glasgow club until 2019.
Rogic, who had an injury-interrupted start to his Parkhead career following his move from Central Coast Mariners in 2013, showed why the Hoops boss was so keen to keep him with two goals in the 5-0 Betfred Cup last-16 win over the Steelmen which set up a quarter-final tie against Alloa.
“It was a good couple of days for me. I am happy to commit my future to the club and it was a perfect way to round that off,” Rogic said.
“Since he (Rodgers) has come in the whole environment has been positive so it has been pleasing.
“And working with him, I, along with the other players in the team, feel as though he can get the best out of us and it is exciting.
“Everyone wants to be a part of it. I think the future is bright … there is a real buzz about the place at the moment.”
Post hoc
Guest
The biggest concern i still have with him is his stamina, I think he may struggle in the EPL, but from Australia's perspective it is great news, Him, mooy and Luongo, all very different types of players. I still think Mooy is better suited as being a deep laying play maker, but he is showing his AM role very well.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
Our wide boys really need to show more than they have lately, teams will really try to suffocate Mooy and Rogic as their reputations grow, we saw how Greece aggressively did so in the second game in Mebourne and unfortunately neither Kruse or Leckie offered much to widen the pitch for us.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I rather suspect we'll be looking to the explosive pace of Leckie (who is still only 25, keep forgetting how young he is) and the guile of Kruse to drag defenders out wide to create opportunities for our more central midfielders when the ball cuts back in. Juric has started well with Luzern however he has never really been prolific as such.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
We also have Jackson Irvine and Jordan Lyden starting to emerge in the DM role, both will hoefully see plenty of game time this season in the championship. Lyden has just come back from injury but was starting to break into the Aston Villa starting 11 at the tail end of last season. As middy says we are abit lacking up front, there's some potential there in Ikonomidis, Giannou, Mclaren and Taggart but we'll have to wait and see if any will kick on and be truly great strikers for the Socceroos.
Midfielder
Guest
Luongo, Rogic, Amini and De Silva .... add Mooy ... then say Braton, Olly B ... things looking good in centre mid roles... need a top striker
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I've long been skeptical of Amini however he seems to be genuinely on the edge of a break-out year. Last season with Randers was a decent hit-out and he's come out of the blocks firing for AGF. He offers the squad some midfield options being able to play either a DM or AM role and hence offers tactical flexibility With Milligan and Jedinak heading towards the end of their careers we may need Mustafa to play a little deeper unless Irvine can step-up into the DM position, something he's on track to do.
whiskeymac
Guest
yes, two very interesting players for the roos. With Luongo, Amini and that CB/DM player in the Eredevisie (name escapes me) there are some good young players in MF getting game time in Europe. thats not to mention others obviously but this is a generation getting game time and developing well for 2018.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
Yep and as with Mooy hopefully they just keep improving and if the stars align they'll be playing regularly at the highest possible level when Russia rolls around.
whiskeymac
Guest
Would have to say the time he has spent at Celtic has been good - from a slow start to now being mooted as an established and vital player. Exposure in the Champions League, finals, regular game time and silver ware/pressure etc are moulding him nicely. Seeing his age, and the experience and profile he's developing, hopefully he will make a move to another league one day for big money and silverware but until then long may he keep going as is.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
Watched that game and Rogic quite frankly took the p!ss. Could have easily had 3 or 4 goals to himself by half time if it wasn't for some great saves. I think him signing for Celtic is good for both parties, he is improving as a footballer even though the SPL isn't the highest level in Europe. If he continues to build on his outstanding season last term i think Celtic will be inundated with offers in the future, he would easily fetch 15-20 mill and what did he cost 400k?