'Brilliant' Socceroo Tom Rogic steps up for Ange Postecoglou as Celtic claim crucial win

Josh Thomas

'Brilliant' Socceroo Tom Rogic steps up for Ange Postecoglou as Celtic claim crucial win image

Celtic returned from the international break with a 2-0 away win against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. 

After ending their away hoodoo last time out against Aberdeen, Ange Postecoglou's side picked up where they left off as they closed the gap on league leaders Rangers to four points after nine games. 

While Jota and David Turnbull scored in either half for the Hoops, Socceroo Tom Rogic also really impressed at Fir Park. 

The Australian attacker set up Celtic's opener and was one of the club's standout performers during his 73 minutes on the pitch. 

"He was brilliant, especially at the start when we kind of needed that little bit of extra quality that he brings," Postecoglou said of Rogic post-match. 

"His ball to Jota was outstanding, his general play was really good and I’m pleased for him – he had a super game.

"I thought we controlled the game from start to finish and it’s not an easy place to come and control the game.

"They’ve had a good start to the season and were pretty confident going into it, so the fact that we could control it and we got two good goals, plus I don’t think Joe had a real save to make the whole game, that’s the most pleasing thing – the performance, and we got the three points." 

The Hoops now sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership and next face Ferencvaros in the Europa League group stages at home on Wednesday morning (AEDT). 

After an inconsistent start to the season, Postecoglou believes his side are starting to find their feet and remain on the right track. 

"It’s been great. All these guys, we just threw them in at the deep end, and they haven’t made excuses or made allowances for themselves," he said.

"Across the board we’re not throwing guys in anymore, everyone has been here now for at least a month, whether it’s training or playing.

"They’re getting an understanding of the kind of football we want to play, and we just have a bit more depth in the squad to make changes during games, and in between games."

Josh Thomas