TOM ROGIC has admitted his disappointment at missing Celtic’s final game of 2018 at Ibrox tomorrow.
The elegant playmaker has been pulled out the champions squad by the Australian Football Federation as they prepare to play in the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates next month.
Rogic insisted he could have played against Steven Gerrard’s men AND still be ready for the international tournament.
The Wizard of Oz is also unhappy that the situation came down to a club v country debate. He took to Instagram, alongside a photo of celebrating a victory at Ibrox, to say: “I’m very disappointed to be missing the game on the 29th.
“A decision has been made, but I did everything in my power to stay for the match.
“I am a proud Australian, but also love my club. It should never have been a debate between playing for club or country, ideally it would have been for both.
“Another challenge awaits in the Asian Cup, where I will give my all and proudly represent my country.”
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers was eager to have the player available for the encounter in Govan and had conversations with Aussie Head Coach Graham Arnold over the decision.
He said: “Tom is a big player for us in big games. That’s what you want. You want your biggest players to play in this type of game.
“And Tom is desperate to play in it. These are showcase games. We have to fight for the player, as well.”
Rodgers takes his team across Glasgow in a position where a win will stretch their lead at the pinnacle of the Premiership to six points with a game in hand.
