Ange Postecoglou intends to revive Celtic career of Socceroos star Tom Rogic

New Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou plans to bring the best out of Socceroos star Tom Rogic.

Tom Rogic (right) celebrates with Ryan Christie during happier times at Celtic. Picture: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

New Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has signalled his intention to revitalise the career of Socceroos playmaker Tom Rogic.

Having elected to sit out Australia’s recent World Cup qualifiers in Kuwait to ensure he’s fully fit for Celtic’s 2021-22 campaign, Rogic needs to deliver after a disappointing 2020-21 season.

The appointment of former Socceroos boss Postecoglou is perhaps the key to Rogic returning to his devastating best as Celtic attempt to regain the Scottish title from arch-rivals Rangers.

“I’m happy to reconnect with him,” Postecoglou said.

“He’s been a fantastic player for a long time here at Celtic.

“I’ve always rated Tommy very highly. I’m looking forward to working with him.

“Hopefully I can bring the best out of him. I really enjoyed working with him when I was with the national team.”

🏃‍♂️🥅 Pre-season prep for Ange’s Bhoys at Lennoxtown. 💪#COYBIG 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/GZy2c4LicF

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 30, 2021

Whether Postecoglou adds to the Australian flavour at Celtic remains unknown despite star Socceroos pair Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan being linked with moves to the club.

“In terms of player signings, we’re working hard at the moment to try to bring in the right type.” he said.

“I’m not really fussed about nationalities. I look for players who I think will fit into what we’re doing here and fit into the style of football that I want to play. We’re casting the net far and wide for that.”

Postecoglou, 55, was similarly non-fussed about his own nationality, admitting the tag of “trailblazing Australian coach” did not sit well with him.

“It’s actually what I’ve been trying to dispel for the last 15 years of my career,” said the coach who has tasted glory with South Melbourne (NSL), Brisbane Roar (A-League), Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan) and the Socceroos (Asian Cup).

“I didn’t want to be seen as an Australian coach.

“Once you tag something with some sort of stigma that because I’m Australian what I’m doing is unbelievable, it works against everything that I’ve been trying to advocate.

“It shouldn’t matter where you come from – just be judged on achievements, be judged on your record.

“Even in Australia I had issues with that. with people not understanding what I was about.

“I’m trying to get away from this notion that because you come from a certain place, or you grew up in a certain place or you work in a certain place, that makes you somehow lesser than somebody else.

“I hope that one day people just see me as a successful manager, and purely just look at my record, and not keep highlighting the fact that it’s extraordinary just because of where I come from.”

Originally published as Ange Postecoglou intends to revive Celtic career of Socceroos star Tom Rogic