When it comes to getting the best out of Tom Rogic it may all simply be a matter of faith. That’s the view of former Celtic striker Scott McDonald who has been talking of the resurgence of his fellow countryman under Ange Postecoglou.
McDonald speaking to Mailsport feels former boss Neil Lennon never quite believed in Tom Rogic and in turn the Aussie playmaker wasn’t able to hit the heights he did under Brendan Rodgers and now his former national team manager.
“I’m not surprised Tom is a big player for Celtic again because he’s got a manager who believes in him. He’s a player who needs full backing from his coach. That gives him the confidence and freedom to go and be himself.
“You don’t get the best out of Rogic if you don’t let him be him. Because of the relationship he had before with Ange, he also knows where the line is with him. He knows what his manager wants and needs. That conversation would have been clear at the start when Ange got there
“He’d have told Tom: ‘You’re one of the best players here, I believe in you, so get back to your best.’ And he has done that. He has been tremendous for Celtic this season. It’s up to him now to keep that consistency going.”
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And McDonald clearly feels the trust missing from Neil Lennon’s managerial approach is further exemplified by the fact the last time Tom Rogic was hitting the heights he is now; it was under another manager who understood how Rogic ticked.
“We saw it in the Brendan Rodgers era when he was magnificent for a spell. And this season, he’s been a driving force in terms of keeping them within reach of Rangers at the top of the table, along with Furuhashi.
“Tom is a quiet lad to the outside world. It takes a specific kind of character for him to buy into. The relationship with previous managers didn’t quite work for him. I don’t think Neil ever really trusted Tom.
“You get that in football, it doesn’t mean anyone’s right or wrong. Tom just never fitted in under Neil. But Brendan told Tom right away that he was his No.10, his attacking midfielder who would make things happen.
“For two and a half seasons under him, he was unplayable. And he’s starting to get back to that level now.”
Prior to last season Tom Rogic looked surplus to requirements. The Big Aussie was due to, or was being encouraged to, accept an offer to ply his trade in Qatar.
At much the same time Celtic were considering shelling out, and did, £2million for a Shane Duffy loan deal. The balancing of those books was expected to be delivered by a deal that brought in the same amount for the permanent transfer of Rogic to the Middle East.
Thankfully Tom Rogic, rather than Celtic, thought better of it and in a sliding doors moment Rogic remained at Celtic, outstayed the manager who had little faith in his abilities across two spells as manager and remained in-situ until one arrived who knew him inside out.
The performance in the recent League Cup Final, under Postecoglou, the man who has arguably given him back his mojo, was the culmination of Tom Rogic not only getting back to his best but arguably now surpassing how he has previously performed.
It’s hard to think for instance of Tom Rogic pulling off that Cup Final performance or scoring THAT goal against Dundee United at Tannadice in either spell under Neil Lennon, as such perhaps Scott McDonald is right, if you want to get the best out of Tom Rogic, it’s all really just a matter of faith.
Niall J
