Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic admitted his delight after scoring on his first start in a Hoops shirt in almost two years.
The Australian has endured a torrid time with injuries since joining Celtic shortly after his 21st birthday in January 2013.
He went back to Australia on loan to Melbourne Victory in May 2014 but a recurring groin injury stopped him from making an impact.
Rogic had not appeared in Celtic’s first team since September 2013 before Ronny Deila handed him a start against Partick Thistle on Sunday and the 22-year-old duly capped a decent performance with the opening goal in his side’s 2-0 win.
Rogic says his manager had told him he would get the chance to impress so long as he continued to do well in training.
“I got an opportunity and I felt I did ok and hopefully I can push on from here and keep going,” he told reporters.
“The manager has told me just to keep working and I will get a chance. It was nice to be out there and get a goal.”
The win maintained Celtic’s perfect start to the domestic season and, while Rogic admits it was a long road to recovery, he said he has been boosted by his team-mates and manager along the way.
He added: “It was a long road and at times you get a bit negative. I have been working really hard over the past year and working towards a day like this, so it’s really pleasing. Everyone in the dressing room has been really positive and made the past year easier going in each day.
“The manager has given me a lot of confidence this season.”
Rogic will hope to be involved again with Celtic in midweek action when they travel to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock on Wednesday.
Celtic are 1.25 to make it three from three in the league, with Kilmarnock 13.00 and the draw 5.50.
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