COMEBACK Bhoy Tom Rogic was “relieved” after making his first Celtic appearance in almost a year-and-a-half.
The injury-jinxed Australian got 45 minutes of action for Stevie Frail’s Development Squad in their 2-0 victory over Motherwell at Cappielow this week.
Rogic admitted he was relieved to return for the first time since a second-half appearance in a Champions League match against AC Milan in November 2013.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who is fighting to overcome two back-to-back groin injuries, said: “At this point in my career I want to be playing first-team football.
“But after being out for so long, I’m just very happy to get some minutes and I’m sure I’ll play a handful of games coming up for the Development Squad to get those important minutes in the legs after not playing for so long.
“Hopefully, I can just help them and contribute to their season and progress as well in the short-term and look to build on that.
“There weren’t any butterflies or anything and I’m not getting carried away as it was 45 minutes and the next step in my rehab.
“However, it’s the first game situation I’ve had in a very long time and it’s just something I’m looking to build on.
”Obviously, it was a big moment for me. Nothing compares to playing a game at any level so to get back out there and play a free-flowing match and not have to worry about my injury and just get on with the match was a positive feeling.
“I’m not saying I’m 100% fit – I still have work to do – but it’s a big step in the right direction.”
