AWESOME Aussie Tom Rogic was applauded by Ange Postecoglou after his spellbinding 70 minutes in Celtic’s eye-catching 3-0 triumph over Dundee United at Tannadice this afternoon.
The Wizard of Oz looked in the mood to sparkle some star dust on Tayside as the Hoops waltzed off with a deserved three points against opponents who fought out a 1-1 stalemate at Parkhead in September.
With Rogic in rollicking, rousing form, there was no chance they were going to get anything on this occasion apart from a lesson on how to mesmerise with the ball tied to the toe of your boot.
UNITED THEY FALL…Tom Rogic finishes off a sweeping move with a brilliant opening goal for Celtic at Tannadice.
It was a tantalising display from the playmaker who demonstrated his unique skills in the 19th minute as he weaved his way in from the right, nonchalantly skipped past three defenders and completed the move with a low curling left-foot drive into Benjamin Siegrist’s far corner.
It was little wonder his former Australian international gaffer described him as “a special footballer” when he reflected on a job well done in the High Noon shoot-out on the ground of potentially dangerous opposition.
Looking at Rogic’s contribution, Postecoglou beamed: “Brilliant. I do know him well. He’s one of those special footballers.
“When the ball goes to him, I just think everyone stops and sees what he’s going to do because you want to be paying attention.
“That’s not the time to be looking down on your phone or taking a drink. You want to stop everything you’re doing and I’m pleased he got his goal today.
“That’s probably the area he’s let himself down so far this year. He’s had some good opportunities so pleased he got the reward.”
ON THE BALL…Tom Rogic is challenged by Dundee United’s Jeando Fuchs.
David Turnbull, as he did in the 1-0 win over Hearts during the week, put in another industrious and inventive showing and doubled the team’s advantage before the interval after a fabulous pass from skipper Callum McGregor.
Postecoglou, speaking to Sky Sports News, said: “David wants to improve. That’s the most important thing. We’re giving him information every week.
“You can see him putting it into practice. He wants to become the best footballer he can possibly be and that’s what you want from any young player.
“He’s still at the beginning of his career, particularly in that position, but what I keep seeing of him, why I keep putting him in there.
IN THE NET…David Turnbull reflects on a miss on this occasion.
“He’s looking to be a better version of himself and that’s what you want from footballers.”
Liam Scales completed an excellent day for the visitors when he came on as a 75th minute substitute for Greg Taylor, making his return after being out since September 11 with a damaged left shoulder.
The young Irishman, bought from Shamrock Rovers for £600,000 in the summer, celebrated his first appearance in the Premiership with a low left-foot effort for the third goal nine minutes from time.
All in, a good day for Big Ange and his Bhoys in the winter sunshine on Tayside.
THREE AND EASY FOR COASTING CELTS
