Rogic not buying the hype

NEW Celtic signing Tom Rogic spoke about the tag "next big thing".

You’re constantly referred to as “The Next Big Thing”. How difficult is it for you when this tag keeps coming up?
Yeah, look you try not to take much notice. But it’s hard. In a way it’s a little bit annoying and a little bit frustrating. I think it places unnecessary expectations and pressure in a way. But you’re going to get that as you go on in your career – there’ll be more pressure but you’ve got to deal with it. And by now I’ve gotten a little used to it and it’s easier to disregard that [hype] and just try and move on with my football. In the same sense it’s nice that people are talking about me and they’re recognising my football performances. But you don’t want to take too much notice of it all.

Futsal played a big role in your career. Talk us through what it gave you?
I think it played a massive role. For me it helped my technique and skills massively…

And if you hadn’t played futsal…?
I don’t think I’d be the player I am today. How different, who knows? But it’s definitely played a massive role and it’s something that I hold close to my heart. I always follow the national team [Futsalroos]. I still talk to a lot of the guys in the team. It’s good for not just Futsal but football in Australia to expose it a little more. It’s in my eyes a great sport and something that everyone involved in football should have a look at.

So, you could still play for the Futsalroos?
With everything going on in my football career right now, it’s not possible. The coach approached me a couple of times before the World Cup was coming up, but he understands with my commitments in football it’s not realistically possible. It’s disappointing, but at the same time it doesn’t bother me because I have a lot on my plate.

What areas of your game are you working on?
Everywhere. I need to get better in all areas of my game. From my tactical awareness to my physicality, it all still needs to improve. But I think that comes with time as I develop and mature as a player. And not without hard workof course. I’m trying to develop each week and in each training session. What I did coming into the A-League last season was a good start but I certainly can’t rest on my laurels. I’ve got to develop and get better.

How does the A-League compare after training at the Nike Academy in the UK?
Nothing compares to playing competitive matches. But at the Nike Academy I got a taste of what it was like with different styles and intensity.