Thursday, March 28, 2024
SportInternational FootballCeltic playmaker has X-factor according to national team coach

Celtic playmaker has X-factor according to national team coach

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Australia head coach Ange Postecoglou insists Celtic playmaker Tom Rogic has the X-factor to lead the Socceroos to the World Cup finals.

Postecoglou’s side will bid to move one step closer to sealing a place in Russia by seeing off Syria in today’s qualifying fourth round second leg in Sydney.

Rogic made a late substitute appearance in last Thursday’s 1-1 draw between the two countries but Postecoglou hopes the refreshed midfielder can make his mark in the home clash.

He said: “International football is tricky sometimes.

“It does come down to moments, and he’s certainly the kind of player who, in a key moment, can produce something special.

“From our perspective that’s a good weapon to have.

“Tom has been pretty significant for us in recent times.

“He’s contributed with goals or assists and he’s maturing in the right way.

“From an international standpoint, it’s only really been in the last sort of 12 months that he’s come into more prominence.

“I expect him to become a more and more important player.”

Should Australia overcome Syria, the Socceroos will face a decisive knock-out clash with the fourth placed country from the CONCACAF qualifying section for a spot at the World Cup finals.

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