Strewth! Tom wants a piece of the action

Forgotten man Tom Rogic is hoping for a rare chance to shine this week when Celtic take on Morton.

Neil Lennon is planning to use the League Cup clash at Parkhead as an opportunity to hand several of his fringe players some much-needed match action.

That means Australian youngster Rogic is likely to make only his second competitive start of the season and he is aiming to make the most of the chance by catching the manager’s eye.

“It would be nice to get some game time on Tuesday,” said the 20-year-old midfielder.

“When you are out of the starting XI, it’s my job and the other players in a similar position to be ready when an opportunity comes along. Hopefully that will be this week.

“With the amount of games we have being involved in four different competitions I’m sure the manager will have to utilise his full squad over the course of the season.

“You need a strong pool if you are going to compete on all fronts and there will be times, I would imagine, when the manager will make changes to his team.

“When that happens, and you are given an opportunity, then it is important you play well and that’s what I will be aiming to do.

“If it is Tuesday night then that would be great.”

Rogic has refused to allow his lack of first-team action to dampen his delight at winning a move to Celtic from Australian side Central Coast Mariners.

He explained: “I’m happy here and I knew it would take a bit of time for me to fully settle in. It would have been some achievement if I walked straight into the squad here and played every game.

“I certainly didn’t expect that to happen. But it’s been a great learning curve. I’m enjoying living in Glasgow and I’m gaining great experience, especially during the week when I was part of the squad for the Champions League game against AC Milan.

“For me, it is just a case of being ready when the time comes.

“Hopefully, if there are changes for the Morton game, then I can go into the team and do well.”