Courtesy: The Sidney Morning Herald


Tom the in-demand teen happy to stay a Mariner

by Sebastian Hassett

February 18, 2012

HE'S played just three games for the Central Coast Mariners but the hype around Tom Rogic is proving hard to contain and opposition clubs are already wanting his signature.

While Robbie Slater has compared him to Ned Zelic and Mark Bosnich has declared him a future Socceroo, Melbourne Victory and the Newcastle Jets have wasted no time in trying to pounce on the attacking midfielder.

The 19-year-old, who has three months left on his short-term contract, was hit with the interest from rival clubs on Monday morning, just a few days after he put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-1 loss to the Victory at AAMI Park that - until Clive Palmer's intervention - was the talking point of the week.

However, he says he is not thinking about the interest that has already arrived and will continue to flood in from home and abroad during the next few months.

''It's only early in my career and I've only played three games, so I think it's a bit early to be thinking about next year and beyond that,'' he told the Herald yesterday. ''For me, it's just all about focusing on my time here at the Mariners and training and playing here. I haven't really given next season much thought.

''Coming back from England and signing here has already happened so fast and I haven't had a chance to look back at what's happened to me. But the standard of the A-League is great, I'm happy with the Mariners for now and I don't think staying in this league is such a bad idea.''

Rogic might be a late bloomer in some eyes but he's been around the football world for longer than most might think. In an interesting aside, he's already represented Australia at the senior level, albeit in futsal, which certainly goes a long way to explaining the nimble feet that have dazzled those who've seen him play.

The Canberra-raised youngster was even asked recently if he wanted to tour with the Futsalroos as they attempted to qualify for the Asian Cup, only to turn them down in favour of chasing his outdoor dream.

''I love futsal, I've always played it and while I think it's a fantastic way for young players to hone their skills, it might have to take a back seat for now,'' he said. ''But it's certainly something that's played a huge role in my development.''

One aspect of Rogic's development that has gained him notoriety was how he won a competition to claim a place at the Nike Academy, leading him to sign a 2½ deal with English Championship club Reading.

However, that all fell through when he was denied a work permit, leaving his hopes of cracking the big time in Europe seemingly in tatters.

''I was just shattered when that didn't work out there and I couldn't sign with them, but it's funny how when one door closes, another opens,'' he said. ''I actually trialled with the Mariners last year in preparation for the Nike Academy and they wanted to sign me then, and had that opportunity in England not come up, I would have.

''So when it didn't work out over there, the very first day back I only thought of coming to Central Coast. Thankfully 'Arnie' [coach Graham Arnold] was willing to give me another opportunity and while it's only been a short time since I signed, I've already learned a lot.''

Evidence of how far he has come was for all to see last Friday night as Rogic hit a magnificent 30-metre strike that had Victory goalkeeper Ante Covic gasping.

''I was having a lot of fun out there,'' he said. ''It felt great to be out there on the pitch against guys like Harry Kewell and Archie Thompson in front of a packed house. That's where you want to be.

''I was lucky enough to score a goal, which is great, but I guess it was probably quite disappointing that we took the lead and still couldn't come away with the win, so we need to rectify that at home to Wellington [today].''

Arnold has been full of praise for the youngster from moment Rogic signed, declaring him a ''a player of huge potential'' when his transfer was formalised early last month.

"He can be something special,'' Arnold said after last week's game.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com