Courtesy: Daily Record and Sunday Mail


Celtic target Tom Rogic was futsal star just a year ago

AUSTRALIAN playmaker Rogic is set to join Celtic at their winter training camp next week - just 12 months after being plucked from the indoor sport played with a small ball.

CELTIC target Tom Rogic was playing futsal a year ago before a Nike talent contest handed him a shot at glory.

The Aussie playmaker, who will go on trial with Neil Lennon’s side at their winter training camp in Spain this week, is being tipped as the next Harry Kewell in his homeland.

But incredibly the 20-year-old was wasn’t even a professional 12 months ago and was playing the indoor game with a small ball.

Rogic then won a Nike event that earned him a deal at A-League side Central Coast Mariners – and his stunning form has earned him a call-up to the national side.

That prompted Celtic to make a move and Rogic said: “It’s been crazy. I only found out on Tuesday night I was going to Marbella to meet up with Celtic while I’m suspended back here.

“Not long ago they beat Barcelona in the Champions League and now I’m on my way to train with the first team so it’s a whirlwind.

“I’ll learn a lot and it’s a really exciting opportunity.

“Given everything that’s happened in the past two years I’ve almost got used to life going at this pace and never knowing what’s coming next. What I do know is I have to keep working hard and stay level-headed.”

Socceroos boss Holger Osieck hopes the midfielder won’t be harmed by the hype surrounding him.

He said: “Tom is still at the beginning of his career. He’s a good boy, has a lot of talent and special qualities.

“But he is far from being on a top international level. I want people to consider that, not put him up on a pedestal where he doesn’t belong right now.

“It can be destructive to the development of the boy.”






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com