FORMER Celtic fans’ favourite Tom Rogic faces a sweat before Graham Arnold reveals his Australia squad for the World Cup Finals tomorrow.
The stylish 29-year-old midfielder is hoping to get the nod to join the 26-player pool for the soccer showpiece in Qatar which kicks off on November 20 and concludes with the grand finale on December 18.
Socceroos boss Arnold has admitted he has just about finalised the squad, but told Foxsports: “There’s still probably a good four or five positions up for grabs.
“I can’t say exactly where they are, but we’re still looking. And again because they play club football right up until November 12th and 13th, we’ve got to be prepared in case something happens to anyone and they’re out.
“We’ve got a plan B, C on the cards.”
D-DAY FOR ROGIC…former Celtic star Tom awaits the Australia World Cup squad announcement.
Rogic, who joined West Brom in September after nine and a half years at Parkhead where he won 16 honours, missed the Midlands club’s 1-0 win over Queens park Rangers at Loftus Road at the weekend.
The playmaker was in the matchday pool, but didn’t get the nod as ex-Ibrox defender Kyle Bartley claimed the game’s only goal in the 68th minute.
Rogic, though, is reportedly one of those names who could get a late call up for his nation, according to CODE Sports.
He did not play in either of the Aussies’ World Cup play-off matches against the UAE or Peru after withdrawing from the squad for personal reasons.
Arnold noted that Rogic’s reasons for pulling out are “his business, whatever they are and whatever they were”, but noted that “the only most important thing” is that the middle-of-the-park performer is “back happy and he’s playing and that’s important.”
Rogic has had just one start for the Baggies, but has made four substitute appearances.
Arnold, it is stated in the media report, believes the player has built up his fitness up to a suitable level to have an impact in Qatar.
All will be revealed around 5am UK time tomorrow.
CQN and our readers wish Tom all the very best in his quest to mix among the elite of world football.
