By Lee Gaskin
Canberra product Tom Rogic has continued his resurgence ahead of his Socceroos recall with a cracking individual goal for his Scottish club Celtic.
The 22-year-old midfielder danced past a couple of defenders before finding the back of the net in Celtic's 3-1 win against St Johnstone on Sunday morning (AEST).
Canberra product Tom Rogic scored a cracking goal for Celtic in their 3-1 win on Sunday morning (Australian time).
Rogic's impressive performance is another positive before he links with the Socceroos squad in Perth this week ahead of Australia's World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh at nib Stadium on Thursday night.
The games against Bangladesh and the September 8 clash away to Tajikistan will be Rogic's first involvement with the Socceroos since being forced out of camp before the 2014 World Cup through injury.
Rogic has made the most of his opportunities with Celtic this season after becoming a more regular part of the starting side since returning from injury.
"It was pleasing to get the goal and I'm happy," Rogic told the club's website.
"I feel comfortable playing anywhere in the middle of the park, but I'm just happy to be playing and being in the team and helping them win.
"It was special to score in front of my home fans and I'm sure I won't forget it."
Rogic's impact at Celtic since joining the club in January 2013 has been limited by ankle and groin injuries.
However, he has hit the ground running with a full pre-season under his belt and looms as a vital cog in the Socceroos' quest to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
The Socceroos are looking at adding depth to their ranks in the midfield, with captain Mile Jedinak ruled out of the trip to Perth with a hamstring injury.
The attacking stocks have also taken a blow with the news Robbie Kruse and Tomi Juric will stay at their clubs to continue their recovery from recent injuries.
Rogic gives the Socceroos an X-factor in attack and will provide a valuable point of difference against Bangladesh and Tajikistan.
Both countries are expected to have a defensive focus to attempt to steal a point.
Rogic said it was important Celtic bounced back after their elimination from European Champions League qualifying earlier in the week.
"It was important to put that behind us and come out here at home and get a win and a good performance," Rogic said. "We have to move on and just learn from it and get better."