COACH Ange Postecoglou reckons Celtic’s Tom Rogic has the talent to become a World Cup Wizard of Oz.
The comeback Bhoy will be named in the Australian international squad for the 2018 qualifier against Kyrgyzstan in his hometown of Canberra on November 12.Postecoglou watched TV footage of the 22-year-old playmaker net his third goal of the season in the Hoops’ 6-0 trouncing of Dundee at Parkhead.
He said: “Tom’s in a good place. He scored and set one up. Clearly, he’s feeling really happy about his progress now.“His body’s good, which is probably the only thing that has held him back in the past. There’s no doubt he’s a great talent and I think he just feels better about himself these days.”
The midfielder scored his first-ever goal for Ronny Deila’s men in the 2-0 win over Partick Thistle at Firhill and followed it with another in the 3-1 victory over St Johnstone in Glasgow.Rogic also impressed in the last two games for Australia and the Oz boss said: “He played against Bangladesh and came on in the second game against Tajikstan and did well for us.
“But, more importantly, he looked like his old self again. Hopefully, it can continue because he can become an important player for us.
“I’d have to think his best is still well ahead of him. He’s still a young man. When you look at the injuries he’s had, in terms of his career, he’s still got a long way to go.“For me, just seeing him back on the park with a smile on his face and being able to play the football he wants to play, is very pleasing.”
Australia defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in their opening qualifier in Bishkek in June and Postecoglou is relishing the prospect of the return.
He said: “Canberra is somewhere we haven’t been for a while and we’re really looking forward to getting back there.
“When it’s a packed stadium, it will be a great atmosphere. These games are really crucial for us.
“Kyrgyzstan have already proved to be tough opponents and they are still a chance in the group.”
