Celtic have opened talks with the Australian FA in an attempt to free midfielder Tom Rogic up for the Old Firm derby clash with Rangers a week on Saturday, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper claims that the Hoops are attempting to negotiate Rogic’s temporary release from national team duty, where he has been called up by his country for the upcoming Asian Cup.
The 26-year-old is expected to join up with the Socceroos squad for training camp in the United Arab Emirates next week, and the Australian FA appear to be in no mood to make exceptions.
Brendan Rodgers is thought to be desperate to have Rogic available for the game at Ibrox, however he may have to do without the Australia star.
OPINION
You can see where both sides are coming from with this one. For Australia, Rogic is one of their best players and is someone that they obviously want in and around the squad for training camp and the upcoming tournament. Besides, if they adhere to Celtic’s wishes then they’ll have to do the same for every other club who want their players free for certain games. From the Hoops’ point of view, however, they risk going into one of the biggest fixtures of their season without one of their best midfielders. Rogic has been a key player for them this term and has formed an excellent partnership with Callum McGregor in the middle of the park. To not have him available against Steven Gerrard’s side would be a big blow to the visitors chances at Ibrox. It does seem unlikely that Celtic will be able to extricate Rogic, but it’s worth asking the question for them, certainly.