Chris Sutton wants Tom Rogic to step up for Celtic

Pundit Chris Sutton has challenged Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic compatriot Tom Rogic to step up and show his best form for the Bhoys.

Rogic managed to score against Dundee in Celtic’s 6-0 dismantling of their fellow SPFL side and also featured heavily in Celtic’s 3-0 second-leg victory at a packed Paradise over Jablonec.

Postecoglou has worked with Rogic at international level during his spell in charge of Australia’s men’s national team, and Sutton backed Rogic’s rehabilitation at Celtic to continue.

Chris Sutton wrote in his column for the Daily Record:

“And about Tom Rogic? Fans had almost forgotten about him. A year ago he was on his way to Qatar and nothing much happened for him last term.

“But maybe Postecoglou knows what makes him tick from their time with Australia and he can get him playing again.

“It would be a major boost if he does and Rogic can do things no one else can do at Parkhead. When he’s on song no one can touch him.

“The ball is in his court now. These are his peak years and it’s up to him what he does about it.”

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Rogic’s resurgence in Celtic colours represents a refreshing like-new option that is ready-made to act as a midfield dynamo in Ange Postecoglou’s high-pressing system.

His often deeper-lying role partnering the likes of David Turnbull and club captain Callum McGregor has made him a useful option, playmaking out from further down the pitch to set up offensive phases of play in transitions.

However, his deployment against SPFL minnows and FK Jablonec – rotated in for the likes of Ismaila Soro and potentially James McCarthy – point to Rogic playing more of a bit-part role.

As a result, he could become a utility player off the bench, supplementing Postecoglou’s options and could be brought on if the Bhoys become in need of a goal.