Tom Rogic says Celtic playing in USA would boost Scottish game
Tuesday 24 November 2015 17:05, UK
Tom Rogic says taking an SPFL match to North America next season would give the Scottish game a timely boost.
Dundee are believed to have tabled the idea of playing a league game against Celtic in either Boston or Philadelphia next year and the Australia midfielder is fully behind the scheme.
Speaking ahead of the Hoops must-win Europa League clash with Ajax on Thursday, Rogic said: "It's a good opportunity to expand the game and broadcast Scottish football on a world stage.
"Celtic obviously have a massive fanbase and it would be fantastic to give supporters over there the chance to see us play.
"Growing up in Australia I knew about the size of Celtic, but you could say these plans are an innovative way to promote the game more on the world stage."
Looking ahead to the game against the Dutch champions, Rogic insisted Ronny Deila's side can still qualify for the final 32 for the second successive season.
Celtic have just two points from their opening four fixtures, having drawn 2-2 with Ajax and Fenerbahce before losing home and away to group leaders Molde.
"We have to have the belief that we can win and can still go through in the group," Rogic told the club's website.
"It's a big opportunity. We're disappointed with the last couple of results but we're working hard to make sure we are well prepared to go out and get the result we need.
"We go into every game thinking we'll get a positive result and we especially want to do that at home. The last game was disappointing but it won't change our belief within the squad. We're looking forward to it.
"We know the importance of the match but we're all in this together. We are a united squad and we work closely with the manager and the coaches. We're working together to get the result we need.
"Anyone given the opportunity would play in a European match for Celtic at home. It's a special occasion, regardless of any factors. Everyone's ready. Every player in this squad is working hard and contributing and creating the competition for places."
Meanwhile, Celtic have announced they will unveil a statue of legendary captain Billy McNeill at their ground on Saturday, December 19.
McNeill, who captained the club in their finest hour when winning the European Cup in Lisbon in 1967, will join former manager Jock Stein, Jimmy Johnstone - voted the greatest player in the club's history - and founder Brother Walfrid on the Celtic Way outside the stadium.
Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "Billy McNeill is all that's great about Celtic... and this statue is a fitting tribute to him as one of Celtic's all-time greats."
