The international break is usually a real drag for supporters, disruptive for the club itself and generally a distraction away from the only football that matters – Celtic matches.
However, for one Hoops star, this particular one may be a real stepping stone towards capturing the form we know he is capable of.
The 25-year-old was on target for Australia during a 4-0 thrashing of Kuwait on Monday and while it was only a friendly, against pretty weak opposition, it’s a sign he is ready to hit his stride once again.
He got rave reviews for his 82 minute performance, ‘at the heart of everything positive’ according to Australian media. That’s the Tom Rogic we know and love.
The attacking midfielder has struggled with muscle injuries this season, missing the last international break after receiving post-match injections on a regular basis.
Just prior to joining up with his country this time he produced his best Celtic performance in quite a while, assisting James Forrest’s four-goal haul away to St Johnstone.
It was the kind of creative mojo we’ve been badly missing.
If he returns to Scotland with that kind of ruthlessness then our general team form will undoubtedly improve over the coming weeks.