Like most folk Chris Sutton was shocked to hear that Tom Rogic had agreed a new five year contract with Celtic.
Today’s Scottish Cup Final looked like it could be a farewell appearance with the midfielder about to head to the World Cup Finals ‘keeping his options open’.
A two year contract extension- keeping Rogic at Celtic until 2021- would have pleased most Celtic supporters with the five year deal greeted with delight across social media.
Sutton is a big admirer of the goalscoring Australian and believes that his contract is a statement of intent for next season.
Wring in the Daily Record he explained: “There been a lot of noise this week about who Steven Gerrard is going to sign for Rangers but the big statement has come from Celtic.
Securing Tom Rogic on a new five-year deal is an unbelievable bit of business for manager Brendan Rodgers.
“I must admit I was a bit surprised when the news landed he’d agreed the contract extension. Not as shocked as I would be to see 100-grand-a-week Jermain Defoe at Ibrox next season – but it was still a bolt from the blue.
“I expected Rogic to sit tight and see what his options were after the World Cup.
“I bet Celtic were worried about that possibility as well but they have got him to commit for five more years and it’s a tremendous move.
“Whether he remains for the duration is up for debate but he’ll be around for the foreseeable future and Celtic have bought themselves a terrific insurance policy if any clubs do come calling because they can now command top dollar.”
The deal for Rogic comes hard on the heels of Celtic setting up new long term contracts for Scott Bain and Kris Ajer.
Stuart Armstrong, Dedryck Boyata and James Forrest are also out of contract in June 2019. With Rogic and Ajer signed up there is a little less pressure on the club to agree new contracts with the players expected to make a decision on their futures before resuming pre-season training next month.