Ange Postecoglou says Tom Rogic's reasons behind leaving Celtic came after sensing he needed a change as he labelled him a club 'legend'.
The former Hoops star played a key role as they recaptured the Premiership crown from Rangers last season and won the Premier Sports Cup. It added to his trophy-laden success over a near decade at the club with him deciding it was time for pastures new. He took time out of the game before eventually deciding West Brom in the English Championship would be his next challenge.
The Wizard of Oz penned a one-year deal with the club holding the option of a further year as he bids to return to full fitness and land much-needed match minutes ahead of Australia's World Cup bid in Qatar this coming November. Postecoglou has no doubt a fit and raring to go Rogic will be a handful for anyone at the World Cup as he opened up on his decision to call it quits in Glasgow.
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READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou 'living the dream' at Celtic as he quashes English Premier League exit talk
He told Adelaide Now: “He’s a legend at Celtic but at the same time he spent his whole adult life there and I could sense that he just needed a change.
"Tommy’s talent is unquestionable. And also he backs himself, against anybody.
“He’s still probably one of our best players at national team level and hasn’t taken the easy route going to the Championship. His fitness levels and everything need to be at their best to compete there.
“People shouldn’t underestimate him to last that long at a club like Celtic, which demands success. Tom had 9-10 years of that, and he has got to be a strong character to survive that long.
"No doubt if fit, raring to go, he’ll be a challenge for anyone at the World Cup.”
Aaron Mooy checked into Celtic this summer with Postecoglou revealing he will be ready to rock come the finals. The Hoops face a hectic period of games after the international break until Qatar 2022 and the midfielder is set to land plenty of top team minutes.
He added: “We’ve taken our time with him to get him up to speed.
"He’s in a good place back in Scotland with his family, playing again for a big club. We’ve got a hell of a program after this international break.
"We have 13-14 games in 6-7 weeks, so he’ll have plenty of football before the World Cup and be raring to go.”
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