Tom Rogic has spoken out about the abuse he received returning to Central Coast Mariners as a Melbourne Victory player.
The midfielder was in demand during the January transfer window as Celtic made it known that they were willing to let him go out on loan to boost his World Cup hopes.
Rogic joined Celtic from Central Coast Mariners in January 2013 for £800,000 but despite manager Phil Ross making an enquiry there was never an option to return to his first senior club.
Discussing the reception he received during Victory’s 3-1 win at Mariners the midfielder told the Herald Sun: “It’s an interesting one about the Mariners, I just want to get it straight there was no formal offer.
“There was interest and I spoke to Phil Moss on the phone, he was very keen and I guess motivated to get me back but from the club’s point of view there was an inquiry but definitely no formal offer.
“So it was never an option for me to consider therefore it was never a decision between Melbourne Victory versus Central Coast.
“It felt a bit strange going back there (Gosford). The ones that realised my situation and why I was back here (Victory), if they’d known that there was no real offer maybe it would’ve been different but it’s part of the game, I expected it, I have no issues with it. I didn’t go there scared or nervous or walk away upset.
“I’m very happy with where I am now and how the deal eventuated with Victory and things are going well.’’
Sydney FC wanted to sign Rogic on a permanent basis but the midfielder has his mind set on returning to Celtic after the World Cup.
“There was interest from Sydney but again that never progressed to being a realistic option,” he added. “At this point in time I wasn’t interested in coming back full-time.
“Victory ticked all the boxes and all the parties concerned, me, Victory and Celtic, were happy.
“Arnie (Graham Arnold, his old boss at Mariners, now coaching Vegalta Sendai  in Japan) tried hard to get me there and It definitely interested me but in the end it wasn’t feasible for Sendai which was completely understandable and I don’t have any issues with.”
I feel Rogic has the potential,to be a mainstay in our midfield.
When he played for us, his stamina did seem suspect. After 60 mins he was blowing.But,as he came into the Pro game late, he has time on his side.
I like his directness, and eye for a forward
pass.The World Cup could boost his confidence.
Like Tony Watt, I see Rogic,coming back
maturer for his loan experience.Both should then be in a position to push for
first team inclusion. I hope so,as both have
a lot to offer.I would hate to see this potential,realised elsewhere.
I’d add Callum McGregor to that list. Both he and Watt are diong really well on loan,albeit Callum is playing in a lower division. They and Rogic, who I thought had great potential, need to be given a decent run to see if they are really good enough. We already know Watt is at least god enough to be a squad player and probably more.
The interesting thing is that Celtic are ignoring many of their young players coming through. The rumours today are about Tony Watt and a Liverpool bid for £6m on the way in the summer. So why would we want to be signing more strikers like Griffiths when we already seem to have a £6m striker already at the club.
Lierse appear to want him as well, but I doubt if they could compete with Liverpool. Why has Tony Watt and young Henderson not been given more game time? Why was Matthews playing against the Dons when not really fit and young Fisher dropped, when Fisher has stepped up to the mark and has never let us down.
It is all right saying that we can give them a chance now, but I am of the opinion that we can give them a chance at any time. There are too many players out on loan. Some need to be, but you learn how to play for Celtic – by actually playing for Celtic.
What about Jackson Irvine? Playing regularly in the SPFL, must be better than some of the buys we have made??
Its not really about Rogic not returning as such.
Melbourne Victory are a bit like the way Rangers where before they died, theyre a wanker football club with wanker supporters, and no one likes them (but they dont care.
They have one of the vilest nastiest managers in Kevin “maddog”MuscatAnd I take great delight in seeing the c@nts get beat.