Tom Rogic saw a specialist after Celtic’s 3-3 draw at Aberdeen and was given a clean bill of health.
The midfielder has been dogged by injuries over the last few seasons but his contribution to Celtic is measured in quality rather than quantity.
After three substitute appearances he was in from the start at Pittodrie and responded with two assists as Celtic fought back from twice going behind.
Getting Rogic back to the form that he showed between 2016 and 2018 would be a major boost for Neil Lennon who signed the midfielder in 2013 from Central Coast Mariners.
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That was Tom’s first start (at Aberdeen). It’s not a question of his mindset not wanting to play, he’s had ankle and knee problems. He was at a specialist yesterday (Tuesday) and the specialist was pleased with how the ankle responded after he played 85 minutes at the weekend.
It might be a push to ask him to start three games in a week so soon, but I think he’s a wonderful player. I think he adds just that little bit of difference to the team, that little bit of gall, little bit of creativity at times. He’s such a smart player and it would be great to get a run of games out of him.
He played a lot of 90 minutes, for him, under me last season and obviously the season was curtailed when he was in great form. It’s been stop start again for him with injury and the deal falling through. He’s back fully focussed and hopefully we can keep him fit and active because again he has that ability to create something out of nothing which is what we want and what the fans want.
Between the lines it looks like Rogic will be held back tonight to ensure that he is available to face Aberdeen at Hampden on Sunday.
Among his many big game goals the stoppage time shot that won the 2017 Scottish Cup Final for The Invincibles will never be forgotten by the 52,000 inside Hampden that witnessed that moment.