TOM ROGIC has warned the sideline snipers he's ready to play his part for Australia in this summer's Brazil World Cup Finals.
The Celtic midfielder has come in for a fair amount of flak after a stop-start 17 months at Parkhead.
But Hoops boss Neil Lennon has never hidden his admiration for the Socceroo.
And Rogic is confident he can live up to his boss's expectations when the tournament kicks off next month.
He said: "They can write or say whatever they want, good or bad.
"All I can control is getting fit, playing and enjoying my football.
"The main thing is that you listen to the people around you, the people in the dressing room, your family and the coaches that advise you.
"Outside of that, to me it's irrelevant,
Australia's upcoming friendly match against South Africa is another chance for Rogic to silence his critics.
He added: "It will be a good test for us, and hopefully it will be a good way to send the team off for Brazil."
The Socceroos treated fans to a glimpse of the mentality of the new-look national team at an open training session yesterday.
Rogic said the most noticeable difference of the team under coach Ange Postecoglou was the competitive attitude, despite almost half the squad yet to arrive in camp.
"The competition for places is well and truly there," said Rogic.
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