Gersbach ready to face Socceroos team-mate Rogic
EXCLUSIVE: Rosenborg defender Alex Gersbach hopes his inside knowledge of Australia team-mate and Celtic star Tom Rogic pays off ahead of their UEFA Champions League qualifier on Thursday (AEST).
Australia defender Alex Gersbach is relishing the thought of sharing a pitch with his Socceroos team-mate Tom Rogic. Except that this time, the two internationals will be on opposing teams.
Gersbach's Rosenborg plays against Rogic's Celtic in the third round of UEFA Champions League qualifying, and the Norway-based defender can't wait to match wits with the Scotland-based midfielder, who's in career-best form for Brendan Rodgers's team.
“I don’t think I have ever played against an Aussie (since) playing for Rosenborg so it will be cool,” Gersbach said. “He’s a quiet guy who lets his feet do the talking on the football field so he’s one we’ve definitely got to look out for him on Wednesday night (local time).
It will be a daunting trip to Celtic Park for Rosenborg, but Gersbach hopes any information he can provide on Rogic will help his side’s chances.
“I’m sure I’ll be asked about Rogic and how he plays so I’ll add in my input and hopefully it helps us understand how Celtic plays and how he plays as well.”
Gersbach will be desperate to play against his Socceroos team-mate, but stiff competition at left-back has seen the 20 year-old fall down the pecking order at Rosenborg, having established himself as a regular starter in a dream debut season.
"I’m confident about regaining my starting spot but I’ve really got to work hard to get it back,” Gersbach said. “It’s tough coming over here as a young player and wanting to play every game but I’m ambitious and don’t want to stay here and sit on the bench.
“I want to get my starting spot back and contribute to the team.”
They may be adversaries this week, but Gersbach takes inspiration from Rogic, who overcame familiar hurdles as a young Australian trying to realise the European dream.
“Tommy went over to Europe at a similar age to me and had a few problems with injury and went back on loan to Australia and came back and really cemented himself and is now one of Celtic’s stars, which helps me to keep fighting to win my place back at Rosenborg.”
