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Socceroos standing by absent star Rogic

3 minute read

Socceroos star Tom Rogic will miss Australia's do-or-die World Cup play-off against the UAE due to a serious family matter.

TOM ROGIC. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Socceroos defender Aziz Behich says he is gutted for Tom Rogic after the star midfielder withdrew from the upcoming World Cup play-offs citing a serious family matter.

Rogic was set to be a key plank in the Socceroos' Asian play-off against the United Arab Emirates in Qatar on June 7 (June 8 AEST).

A victory in that match would set up a game against Peru the following week, with the victor securing a spot in November's World Cup.

Mystery surrounds the exact reason behind Rogic's withdrawal, but Behich says the star Socceroo has the support of the team.

"We're gutted for Tommy," Behich said.

"First and foremost the main thing is him and his family are fine, and he knows that he has our support from the Socceroo family.

"We've just got to move on. We've got enough depth here in our squad.

"I've got no doubt that the players who will come in will do the job."

Rogic is without a club after leaving Celtic.

His absence against the UAE could see Europa League winner Ajdin Hrustic handed a bigger responsibility.

The 25-year-old is full of confidence after scoring a penalty in Eintracht Frankfurt's Europa League final shootout win over Rangers.

"Ajdin is a great player and a great talent," Behich said.

"He's proven at international level that he can play these games no problem.

"If he's given the chance there by the boss, I'm sure he's going to do a great job for us.

"Obviously we saw him in the Europa League final stepping up to take a penalty at a crucial time.

"We're all happy for him and we have no doubt that when he comes in for us, he's going to do the same thing."