Tom Rogic is on his way to Glasgow to talk with Celtic. Picture: Liam Driver Source: The Australian
RISING Australian star Tom Rogic edged closer to his dream of playing some of the game's biggest names after he was given permission to travel to Glasgow later this week to talk with Scottish giant Celtic.
Currently with the Hoops at their training camp in Spain, the much-sought-after Central Coast attacking midfielder was expected to return home tomorrow to get ready for Saturday night's A-League F3 Derby against Newcastle Jets at Bluetongue Stadium.
However, in a clear sign that Celtic is determined to sign him, the club sought and was granted permission to take him back to Glasgow after the overnight friendly against Romania's Steaua Bucarest.
Rogic, 20, will be shown around the impressive facilities in Glasgow, where a representative of his management team is expected to greet him to help discuss his personal terms with the club.
All that needs to be sorted now is a transfer fee with the Mariners.
It is believed Celtic will table a bid of about $750,000 - an offer the cash-strapped Mariners are unlikely to reject. While English Premier League club Fulham is expected to jump in with a late offer of about $800,000, it is unlikely it will alter the situation as Rogic has apparently enjoyed his three days with Celtic and has been impressed by the way the club has treated him.
A deal with Celtic is seen as his best chance to secure first-team football almost immediately. Celtic is still in the Champions League and will play Italian champion Juventus at Celtic Park next month, and Rogic could play.
Hoops manager Neil Lennon has been very impressed by the Socceroo, taking a liking to him from the moment he started training.
Meanwhile, Sydney FC's already threadbare defence will be further tested after experienced defender Pascal Bosschaart was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Scans taken of a troublesome heel and achilles injury show the 32-year-old will need surgery requiring at least six months' rehabilitation.
The news is a bitter blow for Bosschaart, who also missed a good portion of the first round because of an achilles injury sustained in the last game last season. The Dutchman has managed just six games this season.
The Sky Blues have struggled in the past six weeks with injuries decimating their defence. Adam Griffiths, Nathan Sherlock, Bosschaart and Fabio have all had extended periods on the sidelines. Griffiths and Sherlock are still out of action while Fabio returned last week.
Sydney coach Frank Farina has been forced to improvise to cover the defensive issues. He used 16-year-old Aaron Calver in central defence before converting Rhyan Grant from a fullback to a stopper in last week's match against Melbourne Heart. Farina, who is now almost certain to fast-track attempts to secure a defender during the January transfer window, said Bosschaart's injury was a blow.
"It's definitely a blow for us but we will push on with the players who have been getting the job done in recent weeks," Farina said. "Pascal is an experienced player and we will miss that experience as we move towards the business end of the season.
"It is a shame he picked up the injury as he was looking good after such a long lay-off from the injury he suffered last year."
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