Rose Impresses Celtic

The friendly, the first of Celtic’s three match Australian tour, appeared headed for a draw before Troy Hearfield’s quality late strike won the match.

But it was Rose, the 29-year-old Queensland-born left back, who caught the eye with his controlled defensive performance and timely runs forward.  

“I thought the left back Rose had a very good game. And the left-sided centre half [Patrick Zwaanswijk] was excellent, technically very good and very calm and collected on the ball,” the Celtic manager said after the match.

“Obviously you concentrate on your own team but those two are good footballers – particularly Rose who got forward very, very well and was very athletic and very good on the ball.”

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Rose, who played four years in Romania with Universitatea Craiova before joining the Mariners last season, shone as the Mariners went within a whisker of winning the A-League championship.

His form as an attacking left back had some calling for inclusion into the Socceroo squad.

“It’s a big honour when someone like him [Lennon] singles you out. You don’t take that lightly and it makes you feel proud of what you’re doing and what you’re trying to achieve,” Rose said after the game.

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The former Brisbane Strikers player said the system that the Mariners play suits him well and he is determined to prove that last season wasn’t a one-off.

"Everyone knows when I’m going to make a run. It sort of works well," he said.

The Socceroo left-back role is a position that still hasn't been filled after the retirement last year of Scott Chipperfield.

The attack-minded David Carney has slotted into the role but his gaff in the Asian Cup final exposed his defensive weaknesses.

Dutch based Michael Zullo was also tried in the position during June’s two friendlies but he is seen very much as a player for the future. 

Rose might not be far off a spot however the player himself isn’t thinking too far ahead.

“Obviously it’s always something in the back of my mind and I’d love to play for Australia,” Rose said.

“But like I always say I’ve just got to keep my head down and work hard and one day maybe the opportunity may come.”