Rogic’s World Cup place in the balance
The Celtic midielder suffered two first half injuries before being replaced a half-time.
The Socceoos have still to name their final squad with fears growing that Rogic could be one of the four players axed when coach Ange Postecoglou names his 23 man squad for the finals.
After the set-back Postecoglou’s assistant Aurelio Vidmar said: “
“He hasn’t played in quite a while so you’ve got to remember most of these guys haven’t played for quite a while and they’ve had a pretty heavy load over the last three weeks.Tommy was in the camp in the beginning of May in Adelaide, so he’s had some extra work as well, he just needs to find a little bit of rhythm.
“As I said it was pretty hard out there, tough conditions. It was an important hit-out for everyone. He was probably frustrated because he didn’t get too much of the ball and they closed him pretty sharply today so you’ve got to try and find your rhythm and when you’re not in match rhythm it’s a bit difficult but he put himself out there and tried to do his best.
”For me he’s certainly a very special player, he’s young, he’s got a lot to learn but he’s one of those that, in a second, can turn a game for you. So all of those considerations will be up for debate tonight.(when the team management decides which four players to cull).
“He’s got a level head on his shoulders so there’s been a lot of talk over the last year or two that he’s the nest massive player coming out of Australia but he’s still got a lot of work to do. He’s young, he knows what his capabilities are, he’s a very good player and the more game time he has the better he’ll become.
“We’ve seen a massive improvement from the early days when he was at Central Coast to where he is now so there’s no doubt that the more games he plays the better and stronger he will become and the more influential he will be for our team.”
Speaking before he match against Clube Parana, Rogic said: “I’m not the first person to have an injury to deal with so you just cop it on the chin and do your best to manage it and overcome it.
“I’m doing everything I can everyday to do that, and I feel as long as I keep working hard I’m headed in the right direction but it’s been frustrating at times.
“I’ve missed two sessions in the four weeks of the camp since it started in Adelaide. So I’m happy with how it’s going, it’s just a bit of management with my load which is the same with a few people. It’s just the way it is.
“Of course (I’m confident of playing a part), that’s why I’m here. Every player wants to play a part but it’s not up to me, the decision comes down to Ange so we’ll wait and see what the plans are.’”