Wise Celtic prepared Rogic for Roos return
May 22, 2017 - 4:30 AM Celtic's cautious approach to Tom Rogic's recovery should have the Socceroos attacking ace primed for a productive international month, says coach Ange Postecoglou.Rogic was ruled out of March's crucial World Cup qualifiers with a serious ankle injury that required surgery and sidelined the former Central Coast Mariners striker for nearly four months.
The 24-year-old began playing again for the Scottish Premier League champions in April but has been eased back slowly, only running out his first full 90 minutes last week when he scored against Partick Thistle.
On Sunday he played the second half off the bench in Celtic's 2-0 victory over Heart of Midlothian to complete the club's record-breaking undefeated season.
Rogic's return is a major boost for the Socceroos, who assemble in Adelaide early next month for their must-win World Cup qualifying clash with Saudi Arabia on June 8.
And Postecoglou believed the free-scoring playmaker will benefit from the balanced rest as the national team embarks on a chock-a-block few weeks that includes a glamour friendly with Brazil in Melbourne and the Confederations Cup in Russia.
"It's good to have him playing again after missing an extended period of time," Postecoglou said.
"Celtic are using him pretty wisely, they haven't just thrown him back in there.
"He's played bits and pieces of games and recently his first 90 minutes, which is great for us.
"They've already programmed in the fact that he's got a big journey ahead of him and are looking after him.
"From that perspective the positive is that he won't come in jaded after a long season, he'll be looking forward to having some games."
Rogic's absence was felt in March when the Socceroos slumped to a 1-1 away draw with Iraq to leave their path to Russia 2018 on precarious footing.
They steered it back on course the next week by toppling United Arab Emirates 2-0 at home, but still need a win over the Saudis to avoid being forced into a series of play-offs.
Source: AAP
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