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Victory keen to tap into more Rogic magic

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat is confident his team will become a potent outfit once they find some consistency and give Tom Rogic more chances to shine.

Victory put consecutive 5-0 losses behind them in a fighting 1-1 draw with Perth Glory at nib Stadium on Friday night.

Muscat’s men dominated the first half, but were forced to defend grimly for the rest of the match before escaping with a vital point away from home.

Rogic, on loan from Celtic until the end of May, impressed in his first start for Victory.

The 21-year-old hit the crossbar with a long-range effort and also created a glut of opportunities for his teammates before being subbed off in the 74th minute.

Rogic’s deft touch and poise under pressure was clear to see, and Muscat believes the star midfielder will become even more potent once the rest of the team starts clicking.

“You can clearly see he’s got immense talent,” Muscat said.

“I’ve got no doubt Tom will get better. What we’re striving for is to find some consistency in our performances.

“It’s not an excuse, but we’ve found it hard to find consistency within our squad with players going, operations, and four boys going away with the (Australian) Under-22s.

“Tom’s getting to understand what his teammates are doing, and his teammates are getting to understand what he’s doing.

“It’s a team game. The more opportunities we give him on the ball and in and around the box, the more opportunities we’re going to have.”

Muscat is unsure whether Rogic will be able to play a full match in next Saturday’s clash with Central Coast at Bluetongue Stadium.

Centre-back Adrian Leijer will return from suspension in a game vital to Victory’s top-four hopes.

Glory are sweating on the fitness of international marquee William Gallas after the 36-year-old appeared to injure his left calf late in the match.

Gallas limped off the field in the 84th minute after falling awkwardly while challenging for a header.

The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham defender missed seven weeks earlier in the season after tearing his other calf, but Glory are hopeful his latest injury is nothing more than a knock.

Former Mariner Rostyn Griffiths is likely to overcome minor knee injury in time to take his place in next week’s clash with Melbourne Heart.

Glory’s Lithuanian international Darvydas Sernas will be pushing for a starting berth after his stunning second-half goal against the Victory, while winger Sidnei is set to return from illness.

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