Celtic interim boss Neil Lennon has revealed that midfielder Tom Rogic should be back for the clash against Rangers on March 31.
Rogic’s last appearance for the Hoops came on Boxing Day against Aberdeen after he injured his hand while playing for Australia in the Asian Cup, but Lennon has now provided fresh hope that the senior star will be back for the vital Old Firm derby at the end of this month.
He also revealed that Olivier Ntcham could be back in training next week, however, he admitted that he does not know how much longer Ryan Christie will be absent for.
“Tom should be fit for the Rangers game. Olivier is also back doing a bit of running and we hope to have him doing a bit of training next week,” he said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“Having those four midfielders out has been difficult. I don’t think Ryan will make the Rangers game though. I don’t know how long it is. It’s a grade two so it will be another few weeks anyway. He will be a doubt for Rangers for sure.”
OPINION
The Old Firm derby is arguably one of the biggest games in the Scottish calendar, so potentially having Rogic back for that game will no doubt be a major boost for Lennon. He has had to contend with having four of his best midfielders out recently, but having Rogic back will certainly reinforce their bid of taking home the league title once again. Rogic was fantastic for the Hoops at the start of the season and there is no reason why he cannot replicate that form at this stage of the campaign. Lennon may have said that having the likes of Rogic out has been difficult, but judging where they are in terms of winning trophies, you would not have thought that was the case. Either way, having him back will surely have Rangers quaking in their boots on March 31, as he is excellent when he is having a good day.