Celtic playmaker Tom Rogic confirmed Ange Postecoglou’s belief that he would be unavailable for tomorrow’s Glasgow Derby, as he played just over an hour for Australia as the Socceroos were dramatically pegged back having led twice in Oman to draw 2-2 and leave a huge dent in their World Cup qualification hopes.
FULL TIME | A frustrating outcome in Oman.
Attention turns to our next must-win @FIFAWorldCup Qualifier at home to Japan on March 24. #OMAvAUS #AsianQualifiers #AllForTheSocceroos pic.twitter.com/oyWLdlAeEG
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) February 1, 2022
Australia had two first half goals disallowed for offside before ex-Hibs midfielder Martin Boyle was brought down for a penalty in the 14th minute and Jamie Maclaren scored from the spot. Tom Rogic then had a great chance just a minute before the break but his shot was deflected off target for a corner kick but led 1-0 at the break.
Macca makes no mistake 👊
Credit to @martinboyle9 for his superb play to win the penalty 👏
🎥: @10footballau #OMAvAUS #AsianQualifiers #AllForTheSocceroos pic.twitter.com/I1GW0VWRPK
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) February 1, 2022
Australia looked comfortable in the opening 45 minutes, but nine minutes into the second half Oman grabbed an equaliser through Abdullah Fawaz’s well struck effort, and after 62 minutes Tom Rogic’s game was called to an end as he surprisingly departed the play alongside goalscorer Jamie Maclaren.
After 79 minutes rumoured Celtic target Aaron Mooy looked to have won the game for the Socceroos, before there was late drama and the award of a second spot kick of the match, and with just two minutes left, Oman’s Fawaz converted to secure a share of the spoils and leave the Aussies disappointed.
With Tom Rogic playing 62 minutes, there is now no chance he’ll be able to play any part in the Glasgow Derby but hopefully with a clean bill of health he will be available for selection for the weekend’s game with Motherwell.
Thankfully Ange Postecoglou’s early work in the transfer window has meant new signing Matt O’Riley has had two excellent performances under his belt and it’s likely he’ll now be tasked with the Rogic No8 role, alongside Reo Hatate, for theRangers game tomorrow night, and both players have certainly indicated they have the ability and temperament to make their mark on the game.
For Australia and Tom Rogic next up for them is a head-to-head with Japan on 24 March, where there could be a number of Celtic players facing off against each other and a further stress for Ange Postecoglou.
Niall J
