TOM ROGIC might have been a forgotten man in the eyes of many Celtic supporters.

And that's understandable given it was the best part of two years ago the Australian last turned out for the club – and that he did not kick a ball in anger for the entirety of last season.

Rogic, however, enjoyed a good pre-season this summer and scored his first-ever Celtic goal of his career in the 2-1 win against Partick Thistle at Firhill yesterday – and a very good one it was at that.

So perhaps this is the start for him at Celtic Park after two long and difficult campaigns.

Rogic said: "It had been a while since I last started a competitive match at Celtic, so I felt really good out there,

"This was an opportunity for me to play my way into the manager’s thoughts and I thought I did okay.

"Hopefully I can push on from here and keep going. Like everyone else I have to keep working and look to get an opportunity.

"I’m feeling good, both physically and mentally. Obviously having missed some football it’s still a work in progress and I’m still working to get fitter and stronger.”

Rogic never gave up on his dream of getting back playing again, but there were some dark times, which is more than understandable.

He said: "I guess it was a long road and at times you get a bit negative. But I’ve been working really hard over the past year or so and working towards a day like this. So it was really pleasing for myself to get back out there.

"Everyone in the dressing room has been positive with me and that made going in every day a bit easier.

"The manager has given me a lot of confidence this season as well and I’ve been working really hard, too.

"There have been a lot of lonely hours in the gym, but I need to keep pushing on. If I keep working then opportunities will come.”