How Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou rebuilt the career of former star pupil Tom Rogic

Included in that preseason posse was Canberra's Tom Rogic whose stalling career was in desperate need of new life.

Postecoglou had a plan for his countryman in Wales. Fast forward five months, and Rogic has established himself as Celtic's most destructive midfielders once more.

His man of the match performance late on Sunday night in a 3-0 win away to Dundee United was underpinned by a brilliant solo goal early in the first half to catapult the Hoops on their way.

Even more crucial was his work rate across 70 tireless minutes, an element of his game that for periods of his career has seemingly sat diametrically opposed to an unquestionable skill level.

A tick over a year ago, Rogic's career seemed destined for the scrapheap. Celtic had agreed terms with a Qatari club for the fading midfielder and Rogic appeared to be on his way to Middle Eastern obscurity for roughly $7m.

But Rogic baulked at the last minute, wondering if perhaps a move into Europe would be more beneficial.

Nothing concrete materialised and he was still at Celtic Park when Postecoglou took over at Parkhead in June.

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There were no cuddles for Rogic, a frank Postecoglou indicated soon after joining the Glasgow giants, but the ex-Socceroos boss knew exactly what was required to reset the 28-year-old who's drifting form over the past few seasons had not been helped by a string of injuries.

Hence Rogic's schedule at the preseason camp in Wales, where Postecoglou was determined to reignite his former star pupil.

While his teammates huffed and puffed in mini training games, Rogic was deployed to the opposite side of the field with a handful of fitness coaches.

They worked him at a frenetic intensity, combining gut-busting efforts with endless ball work in an effort to build a base capable of sustaining his midfield wizradry for longer periods.

He's now played 24 matches in all competitions this season, just seven shy of his entire tally from 2020-21.

"He's one of these special footballers ... when he gets the ball, put down your phone and stop eating and drinking and just watch because something will happen," Postecoglous said after the win over Dundee United.

"And it's not just his technique he's a strong player and very hard to knock off the ball.

"He's working awfully hard off the ball as well. He's had his little setbacks during his career but I can just see he's really focused and wants to be a dominant player in this team.

"Tommy's goal is what Tommy's all about. It's probably the one area where he's probably let himself down a little bit this year - just finishing off his good work.

'But it was a super goal - great run, great composure."

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