Aussie Rogic completes Celtic football comeback

Glasgow (AFP) – Australian international Tom Rogic grabbed a last minute winner to complete a remarkable comeback by champions Celtic on Saturday as they beat Motherwell 4-3 in the Scottish Premiership.

The 23-year-old struck to keep Celtic eight points clear of bitter historic rivals Rangers, who leap-frogged Hearts into second after they beat Aberdeen 2-1 at Ibrox.

Hearts were held 2-2 away at Ross County, although the Edinburgh side had fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 with two goals in two second-half minutes. 

Celtic twice came from behind to secure the three points.

A Louis Moult double had Motherwell seemingly cruising at half-time but goals from Callum McGregor and Patrick Roberts fired Celtic level.

A minute later Lionel Ainsworth had Motherwell in front again but right from the kick off Stuart Armstrong equalised before Rogic grabbed the last minute winner.

“It is arguably the most pleasing (win) after being in that adverse situation,” said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

“We hadn’t had that before so to see the joy in the supporters, they appreciate the fight and spirit in the team.”

Rangers and Aberdeen battled it out in their usual no-holds barred fashion as both players ended with 10-men.

Veteran striker Kenny Miller grabbed the opener in the 52nd minute, converting Joe Garner’s cross before Lee Hodson rifled home his first goal for Rangers in the 71st minute.

Clint Hill saw red for Rangers for a second bookable offence in the first minute of stoppage time before a bad tempered end to the match saw a further four players booked with Ryan Jack also sent off.

Andrew Considine headed home a consolation in the fifth minute of stoppage time but the Dons’ winless run — stretching back 25 years at Ibrox — continues.

“It was a very pleasing victory. We know the quality Aberdeen possess and we had to be brave,” Rangers manager Mark Warburton said.

“In the first half I didn’t think anyone controlled the game but in the second half we stepped on and we deserved to win the game.”

Rangers struck seven minutes into the second-half to break the deadlock.

Garner spotted the run of Miller and played a perfect cross from the right to the back post where the 36-year-old striker blasted the ball home.

Rangers started to push for another goal and it duly came through Hodson.

Barrie McKay fooled the Aberdeen defence as he feigned to cross before picking out the Northern Ireland defender, making just his second start for the Ibrox club, who took a touch before rifling the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Hill saw red before late drama saw both sets of players clash at the awarding of a free-kick with Jack also sent for an early bath following a second booking with Considine heading home a late consolation.