TOM ROGIC has not rejected a new contract from Celtic as far as Brendan Rodgers is aware anyway. Sky Sports have a video interview with the manager this evening in which they ask specifically about the report in Australian media outlet The World Game, where they claimed that Rogic rejected a new contract as he was unimpressed by the terms and was concerned about game time given the arrival of Charly Musonda from Chelsea on an 18 month loan deal.
The Celtic Star was immediately skeptical about the claim and posted almost immediately the initial claim was made. Our story looked at the claims and the reasoning and frankly we didn’t think it added up to much at all.
That said we are aware that negotiations on a new deal have taken place and Brendan Rodgers has now confirmed this this evening. Our article from earlier was titled “Is the Australian media claim that Rogic has rejected a new deal premature? You can read it HERE.
Tonight Brendan Rodgers told Sky Sports when asked about the Australian story that Rogic had rejected a new deal from Celtic, that the player was “joy to work with”. He added:
“I am not aware of that to be honest. We have just arrived back from Russia.
“I know Tom and his representatives have been speaking with the club for a little bit of time but that [the reports]are the first I have heard about that.”
Asked if he wanted Rogic to stay at the club, the manager said:
“Definitely. Tom is a very important player for Celtic.
“He has been a joy to work with in my time here. He has been here for a considerable period of time but certainly in the 20 months I have been here he has been absolutely brilliant.
“Of course, at Celtic we want to keep our best players. It is not always easy because at times they will either want to move on or offers come in from clubs.
“Where we can we always want to keep our best players for as long as we possibly can and Tom is certainly that. He has been out for a long time injury wise but is just getting himself back and up to speed.”
Rogic always plays well against Aberdeen. He also has a Treble to retain and a World Cup to go to.
Meanwhile Paddy Roberts came through the Development match against Patrick Thistle this evening and could be a welcome addition to the squad for Sunday. He played for just under an hour before being replaced. Celtic won 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Jack Aitchison.
With Rogic and Roberts coming back, things are looking a wee bit brighter…
