TOM ROGIC will return Celtic tonight after almost four months out with injury with Brendan Rodgers claiming his player could be one of the best midfielders in Europe.

The Australian has not played since December 17 because of an ankle injury which required an operation but he will start on the bench for this evening's Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match against Partick Thistle at Parkhead.

Rogic, 24, was playing the best football of his career before awkwardly catching his ankle in a match with Dundee.

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Despite Celtic's continued cruise to their sixth title in a row, which was achieved at Tynecastle on Sunday, he has been a miss and Rodgers is delighted one of his favourites is available again.

"The magic man is back – what a player. What an amazing player," said the Celtic manager. "I think he can grow into one of the top midfielders in Europe.

“You saw him grow in the Champions League. You saw him against Manchester City and just purred at his quality. There was a big disappointment when he got injured because the week building up to it he was amazing.

“Top players know where there space is and he’s as good as any I’ve seen at finding space. What he needed to do was gain intensity and strength, and gain more end product and he did all of that up until he got injured. He’s a great boost for us in this last ten games.

"I really mean it when I say he can be one of the top players in Europe. That’s what he can develop into – there’s no doubt he’s top class.

“He’s a good boy too and devoted to his profession. He’s a key player for us.”

Kolo Toure, the veteran defender, might stay on at Celtic after the end of this season as a coach.

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The 35-year-old's family is settled in Scotland and while he hasn't played so much this season, his influence in the dressing room and on the training pitch has been huge.

Rodgers revealed the centre-half has been heavily involved with the coaching and the two will hold talks about what the future holds.

"Kolo and I will sit down and see what he’s thinking," said Rodgers. "He’s still on the winning teams every day in training and looks after his body as you saw with his chest on Sunday. He’s in good nick.

“It maybe took him a bit longer to warm-up than he used to but you can’t underestimate his influence. He’s highly respected because of his achievements but also because of how he handles himself. He’s a great role model.

“I brought him in to get us through the Champions league group phase and then help out with others. He gives Scott Brown some support and he loves it up here. His family have settled into life in Scotland.

“We’ll discuss the next phase of his career soon but I know he’s very keen on the coaching side. He sits in on all our meetings and is gaining experience. In terms of all the planning we do he’s in on that and getting an idea how you plan and prepare your work.

“That’s invaluable for him and he’s been great for me.”