Ange Postecoglou has put finding a playmaker at the top of his January transfer wish list.
Over the previous two seasons Tom Rogic was rarely a regular in Neil Lennon’s sides but the new Celtic boss sees things very differently.
At 28 the Australian should be at his peak with plenty of experience of what it takes to win the big matches.
On Wednesday night Celtic faced Hibs well reminded that it was seven years since they won a Premiership match at Easter Road. Three of those seasons Hibs were in a different league but the same could be said for Celtic’s first half display- orchestrated by Rogic.
After the break, with Nir Bitton adding steel to the midfield the match was more of a contest although the outcome of the points was never in doubt.
Over the next three matches Postecoglou will have to do without Rogic with the Celtic boss telling The Sun that he making contingency plans for January to ensure that he has additional creativity to call on:
It’s a blow to lose Tommy as he’s been outstanding but short-term, I think we can find solutions. Callum McGregor has played played there before, Jota has the capabilities and we have a couple more options.
Long-term, I think it’s an area of the park where we probably need reinforcements and hopefully we can do that in January.
We got Rogic’s hamstring scanned, and it looks like he will be out for around three weeks. That rules him out of the next three games but hopefully the rehab goes well.
Three wins in the next nine days plus a fully fit and recharged Rogic for the critical period from November 20 to January 2 could have a huge influence on how Celtic’s season shapes up.