Cahill delighted by reborn Rogic

Tim Cahill believes that Tom Rogic is on course to fulfill the promise he showed when he left Australia for Celtic almost three years ago.

The former Everton midfielder is the most celebrated player in Australian football with his views treated as gospel across the country.

Rogic missed out on the chance to play alongside Cahill at the World Cup in Brazil but has is starting to show the form that brought him to Celtic’s attention and into the international scene.

“Everyone knows what I think of Tommy, I’m a big fan of his but I want people to let him play, let him enjoy his football and take the pressure off him,” Cahill said.

“Coming back from long-term injury, it’s going to take a season for him to be in full flow and back firing properly.

“Everyone knows what he’s capable of, I’m one of his biggest fans, but most importantly I also want to protect him from the hype and make sure he concentrates on his football.”

Rogic has no qualms about racking up the air miles before Celtic’s next match at home to Kilmarnock.

While most of his team-mates wind down and take advantage of an international break the midfielder will be on duty for Australia against Kyrgyzstan.

The road to Russia takes almost three years as well as thousands of miles but after the nightmare of missing out on Brazil 2014 and writing off last season Rogic just can’t get enough action.

“I will fly out to Australia first thing on Monday morning for a couple of games,” he said after the win over Ross County. “Any time you get a chance to represent your country is a proud moment so you’re certainly not going to turn that down.

“It will be a bit of travel and I will be back here on the following Wednesday. It’s a long haul but you get used to it. It’s something you have to do.

“It’s not easy because I will land in Australia on Tuesday night then try to get my body ready to play on Wednesday.

“On the back of last season I am just pleased to be getting as many games as I am.

“I am looking to build on my start to the season so hopefully I have plenty more football to come. We are playing Kyrgyzstan and then have another game but it’s not confirmed yet. We will have to wait and see who we play in that one.”