ROGIC BOOST

TOM ROGIC is set to be named in the Australian World Cup squad – despite not kicking a ball for Celtic this season.

The gifted playmaker, who last appeared for the Hoops in the 2-1 Scottish Cup Final triumph over Hearts at Hampden on May 25, is likely to be included in his nation’s pool for their qualifier against Kuwait.

Rogic has missed all of the champions’ pre-season and has only now just returned to full training after suffering ankle and knee injuries.

However, Socceroos boss Graham Arnold still intends to use the 26-year-old midfielder for their opening game in Kuwait City a week on Tuesday.

And the gaffer insisted he had no problems about including include the Wizard of Oz for the crucial match on the road to Qatar 2022.

Arnold, in a media report, said: “We’re still monitoring Tommy and keeping an eye on him, but we think he will be fit for the match in Kuwait.

“He’s a big part of what we do and we always expect him to be ready to play for us.

FINAL FLING…Tom Rogic holds aloft the Scottish Cup in May.

“He has great commitment to the Socceroos, but overall he’s a great player for us and we expect he’ll be fit as soon as possible.”

Rogic has scored nine goals in his 46 international appearances for his nation.

The player struggled with injury concerns after the turn of the year following his participation in the Asia Games for Australia.

It looked as though he would sit out the entire second part of the campaign, but rallied on the run-in and played for 70 minutes in the Hampden victory over the Tynecastle outfit that sealed the treble treble.

Rogic’s Aussie call-up will be a boost for the Hoops as he works on his match fitness.

 * DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from AIK Stockholm v Celtic tonight – only in your champion CQN.