If there was some surprise in his native land at his decision to sign a long-term deal at Celtic before the World Cup, Tom Rogic didn’t waste much time in silencing his dissenters.
The Australian midfielder was widely anticipated to hang on to ascertain just what options would be available to him after his participation in Russia over the coming weeks.
Instead, however, Rogic took the decision to tie up his long-term future by signing a five-year extension to his current deal at Celtic just days before the Parkhead side clinched a second successive treble.
“I certainly understand what it’s like and the magnitude of the club,” said the 26-year-old. “I’m very happy there and we have worldwide fans and I’m sure there’s a lot of people in Australia who understand that.
“I can’t control speculation that’s out there. I guess you take it as a compliment maybe, that you’re doing something right. For me I was focused on my job at my club and I am very happy there.”
Rogic, signed by Neil Lennon in 2013, has become an iconic figure at Celtic.
The balletic feet and elegance on the ball coupled with a tendency to produce definitive moments in big games has endeared him to a support who had to be patient in waiting for the midfielder to bloom.
Having firmly established himself for both club and country, Rogic has credited Brendan Rodgers with bringing out the best in him since his arrival at Celtic two years ago.
The Celtic manager has a reputation for resisting complacency and in maintaining a certain standard within his own squad. It is an attitude that Rogic believes has ensured that there has been a continual strive for improvement at the club.
I think working under him is very intense,” Rogic told Good Morning Australia. “He challenges you every day and certainly doesn’t allow for anyone to become complacent or rest on what they might have achieved in one moment.
“There’s always the desire to achieve more and become successful. He’s challenging me and I feel as though I play my best football under him, and hopefully I can continue my progress and development to become better.
“I am happy at the club, I am happy with where I am. The club made me a great offer and I think I played my best football there and I’m working under the best manager I’ve ever worked under.
“I feel as though it’s a great place to be to continue to become a better footballer. It’s a very simple decision and it happened quite quickly.”
Rogic will be expected to play as Australia’s number 10 in Russia, as Bert van Marwijk’s side go up against France, Peru and Denmark.
Meanwhile, Celtic have confirmed that they have terminated the contract of nadir Ciftci.
The striker was signed by the Parkhead side in 2015 and still had a year remaining on his current deal, however both parties have agreed to an early termination in order that the player can seek first-team opportunities elsewhere.
The former Dundee United forward scored four times in 26 appearances for Celtic but he has not played for the first team since February 2017. Cifti had loan spells with Turkish side Eskisehirspor, Polish team Pogon Szczecin, Plymouth Argyle and, for the second half of last season, Motherwell.
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