Irvine tips rampant Rogic to soar for Socceroos

Scotland-based Australia midfielder Jackson Irvine is convinced the renaissance of “outstanding talent” Tom Rogic will gather momentum on Tuesday as the Socceroos face a tricky test in Tajikistan – both on and off the field.

22 year-old Tom Rogic hopes to continue his run of form for the Socceroos after recovering from persistent injuries (Getty) Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

The timing of the clash could hardly be worse for Ange Postecoglou's men with the country in the throws of civil unrest which claimed 22 lives in clashes between police and militants in the capital Dushanbe – venue for Australia's FIFA World Cup qualifier.

For the Socceroos, it will all be about maintaining a 100 per cent record on the road to Russia 2018 after the 2-1 win in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan in June and Thursday’s 5-0 romp against hopelessly outclassed Bangladesh in Perth.

After a shimmering two-goal show against the Bengal Tigers, Irvine believes Rogic, his former teammate at Celtic, is destined to be "massive" force for the green and gold.

“He is so graceful ... he glides around the pitch and makes it look effortless at times," Irvine said.

“I couldn’t be happier for him to be back in the team, and to score a couple of goals as well is exactly what he will need for his confidence going forward from here. The more games he plays... the better he will get.

“He’ll be massive part of what this squad is trying to achieve over the next few years."

The Aussie pair trained together at Parkhead in 2013 before Irvine was loaned to Kilmarnock and became good friends along the way.

"Tom's scored for Celtic also in the last few weeks and is beginning to stamp his authority on that squad also,"  Irvine said.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with Tom over the last couple of years during our time together at Celtic.

“He’s had a frustrating time last year with injuries, but he’s an outstanding talent, everyone can see the natural ability he possesses.

"It’s not easy to get into the Celtic team, as I know only too well from my time there (Irvine made only a single senior appearance) and the fact he's breaking in there shows his ability is being recognised.”

Irvine, a member of the Olyroos squad striving to qualify for Brazil 2016, made an impression of his own in a 15-minute cameo off the bench against Bangladesh, hitting the woodwork with a header and looking deft and purposeful in possession.

It was only his second cap, the other coming off the bench back in October 2013 against Canada at Fulham’s Craven Cottage before Postecoglou took over from the deposed Holger Osieck.

The 22 year-old never feared his chance had come and gone with the senior side.

“It’s been a while, almost two years, but it was nice to be back and I was delighted to get another cap,” he said.

“I’ve been part of the Olyroos for last couple years, which has been amazing and I've just been working really hard at club level and also with the Olyroos because this is the level we all strive to play at."

Prior to completing his move to Ross County, Irvine had a loan spell there last season and his unflustered style, sharp tackling and swift movement are the qualities Postecoglou admirers in his players.

“Ange wants players who were playing each week... and now my chance has come I’m looking to grab it with both hands and keep hold of the jersey.

“I am not here just for a 15 minute cameo  ... I want to be part if this squad and a part of this team."