McGowan heaps praise on Leeds target Rogic
Scotland-based defender Ryan McGowan predicted his Socceroos team-mate and Celtic rival Tom Rogic's career is about to explode into the big time, with Leeds United set to table a lucrative offer.
Australia midfielder Tom Rogic’s slow burning career has begun to ignite, with his national team roommate Ryan McGowan declaring that the lavishly gifted playmaker is on the way to becoming "a marked man”.
The injuries which delayed Rogic's progression at Celtic are a thing of the past and the 23 year-old is fast compiling a compendium of classic moments, with his six goals in 22 appearances this season highlighting his ability to unleash from long range or deftly finish from close in.
With contract talks aimed at keeping him with at Parkhead beyond the end of next season ongoing and Leeds United on the brink of tabling a $2 million bid, the rise of Rogic is looking irresistible.
According to a report in the Yorkshire Post, Rogic is viewed as a natural play-maker by Leeds manager Steve Evans.
McGowan, whose Dundee United team lies 36 points adrift of Premiership leader Celtic and appears destined for the drop, has long been an admirer of Rogic’s ability to alter the destiny of games with a flash of finesse.
And he is taking pleasure in his flowering.
“The potential has always been there ... biggest problem has been trying to stay injury free (since arriving at Celtic in 2013 from Central Coast Mariners)," McGowan said.
“It’s been about getting consecutive games under his belt. Everybody knew once he accomplished that he'd blossom and that’s what's happening at the moment.
“There are a lot of people in Scotland who have a real idea of how well regarded he is back home, and the interest that's all around him.
“But they are quickly starting to understand now because of the way he can influence and change games.”
After three league appearances in his debut season, none in his second when he was on loan at Melbourne Victory, and zero in his third as injuries resurfaced, Rogic is making up for lost time.
So much so he is shaping as a key man for coach Ronniy Deila, who after seeing his side bomb out of first the UEFA Champions League and then the Europa League, may need to win the domestic treble to keep his job.
“Tom's a match winner and he also creates, he has a great left on him, and has scored a few from distance and is a constant threat," McGowan said.
“He hasn't played that many career games, and the more confidence he’ll get and the more he'll start to become a marked man. When it happens it's something he will have to adapt and deal with.
“Coping with that will only make him an even better player. He’s not there quite yet, in terms of influencing the way rival managers go about dealing with him, but he is definitely getting noticed.”
Versatile defender McGowan, who like Rogic has jumped back into the Socceroos’ mix in recent months, feels Australia will reap the rewards of his rejuvenation, much as Celtic has.
“A fit and firing Tommy Rogic is a huge bonus for the Socceroos. People forget that he's still quite young and the best thing for him is to get his head down and keep developing.”
While Rogic excels for the Bhoys, fringe Socceroos midfielder and former Parkhead teammate Jackson Irvine is thriving at fifth-placed Ross County, appearing in all 22 of its Premiership games to date.
“In some ways he’s been the best of the lot (of the Aussies in the SPL this year)," McGowan said. "He's played in every game, scored a couple of goals and is always in the thick of the action, and for him it’s a new lease of life. When I’ve played against him he's been flying. It’s great to see.”
While the Tangerines are 11 points adrift at the bottom of the table, McGowan is remaining upbeat.
“I’ve played every minute of every game (other than missing the 1-0 weekend Scottish Cup win over Airdrie through suspension) and I have captained the team in a number of games," McGowan said.
“It looks like we might bring in some players in January, and we aren’t giving up hope.”
McGowan is out of contract at the end of the season, but is not thinking too far ahead.
“I am happy here but my main concern right now is try and get some wins on the board, so we can hopefully get out of the situation we are in,” he added.