Socceroos midfielder Tom Rogic has today been unveiled as a Melbourne Victory player, joining the club on a loan deal for the remainder of the season.
Victory confirmed on Monday morning that they’d struck an agreement with Scottish giants Celtic FC for the talented 21-year-old who arrived in Australia today.
Rogic’s inclusion in Kevin Muscat’s squad provides a much needed boost for the Victory, with captain Mark Milligan ruled out for over a month and Mitch Nichols’ departure to Japan all but set.
The technically gifted midfielder should see plenty of game time down under, revealing the lure of first-team football leading up to the World Cup was a major player in his move to Melbourne.
“[World Cup selection’s] certainly a big factor,” Rogic said.
“I don’t think theres any Australian footballer right now that wouldn’t want to be a part of that World Cup.
“For myself, I’m 21 and the thought of possibly being at a World Cup in Brazil is pretty special so I obviously want to do everything I can to be a part of that.”
Rogic has struggled for game time since his arrival at Celtic Park, failing to cement a first-team spot whilst making only four starts in eleven appearances.
A temporary switch to Japanese side Vegalta Sendai under old coach Graham Arnold appeared to be on the cards but the Hoops reportedly blocked the deal, sparking interest from A-League clubs Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners.
“Obviously it’s a discussion between the two clubs to reach an agreement first and foremost so obviously Melbourne Victory and Celtic could do that,” Rogic said of the deal.
“It became a matter to me to decide and they reached an agreement and I was happy with the move.”
Muscat was delighted to have signed the young Socceroo, expecting the creative midfielder to relish in an Ange Posetcoglou inspired set-up at Victory, which could be introduce in Brazil.
“I think from the outset the way we try and play and the structure and the system we play will suit Tom down to the ground,” Muscat said.
“I’m excited to be able to work with Tom, introduce him to the group and I think he will fit in with the way we try and play.”
With Victory still missing a host of first team regulars, a starting debut appears to be more than likely for Rogic as Melbourne prepares for their traditional Australia day clash against Sydney FC.
“He could [start],” Muscat told the media.
“I think we’ve got to be mindful – Tom’s arrived this morning, there’s a lot of time from now until the game on Sunday so there’s no point in trying to make a decision now.
“Tom will recover from his flight first and foremost; we’ll have a good look at him.
“We’ve got quite a few sessions from now until then but it is a possibility, of course it is.”
Photo: Melbourne Victory