Caltex Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou has praised Celtic’s management of returning star Tom Rogic as his key playmaker hits top form once again.
With the classy Rogic looming as a key man for the Australians ahead of a big June – starting with a must-win World Cup qualifier with Saudi Arabia in Adelaide on June 8 – Postecoglou was delighted the 24-year-old Canberra talent is close to his electrifying best once again.
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"It's good to have him playing again after missing an extended period of time," Postecoglou said after announcing a 30-man squad for June's games.
"Celtic are using him pretty wisely, they haven't just thrown him back in there.”
Rogic ends the season relatively fresh after four months out with an ankle injury.
It's perfect timing ahead of June which also sees Australia face Brazil in a friendly and play at a Confederations Cup in Russia.
Rogic is set to play in the Scottish Cup Final this Saturday against Aberdeen, where he’ll hope to crown a dominating season for Brendan Rogers’ Scottish champions with another trophy.
And the former Victory and Mariners player – dubbed a “Magic Man” by Rogers - scored in his first full 90 minutes back last week in a 5-0 victory over Partick Thistle.
"He's played bits and pieces of games and recently his first 90 minutes, which is great for us,” added the Aussie boss.
"They've [Celtic] 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."
The Caltex Socceroos tackle Saudi Arabia in a crucial World Cup Qualifer in Adelaide on June 8. Click Here for Tickets