Impressed Kris Commons believes Aaron Mooy's brilliant Celtic form is a timely reminder to allow players time to settle at Parkhead.
The 32-year-old has emerged as a key man under Ange Postecoglou and has now established himself as a regular starter with his goals, key passes and ability to control games earning adulation among the Parkhead fanbase. Commons reckons the St Mirren man is reaping the rewards of his manager's uncanny knack of getting the best out of his players.
And the former Celtic star was seriously impressed once again as Mooy added to his burgeoning reputation with a delightful finish as the champions maintained their nine-point lead over Rangers with a comprehensive 4-1 win over St Johnstone. Speaking in his Daily Mail column, he said: "Mooy has come back from the tournament in Qatar like a player reborn. He's been a midfield maestro for Postecoglou's side over recent weeks. Masterful with his use of the ball, he's also capable of magical little touches like the lovely dinked finish against St Johnstone in Perth yesterday.
"He's now got six goals in his last nine games in a run which stretches back to late December. Mooy's class is shining through after a slow start in Glasgow. Let's not forget, this was a player who was excelling in the English Premier League only a few years ago.
"Mooy is 32 years old now, but he's clearly still got a lot to offer at the highest level. You can't underestimate just how big Postecoglou's influence has been. He knows him inside out from their days together with the Australian national team. He's now getting the very best out of him.
"Only a few months ago, I think most Celtic fans would have agreed that the club's strongest midfield trio in the manager's 4-3-3 system would have been McGregor, Hatate and O'Riley. Now, I'm not so sure. On current form, I think Mooy would have to be in the strongest starting XI. I think the best midfield three right now is McGregor, Hatate and Mooy.
"It just shows you that people shouldn't be so quick to write players off, even if they have a slow start to life in Glasgow. Some people take time to get up to speed. Postecoglou deserves a lot of credit for the way in which he has helped Mooy get back up to full speed. It's another case of his man-management and recruitment skills being top notch. Mooy was highly influential once again in Perth yesterday as Celtic continued their outstanding run of form."
And Commons reckons Mooy's form earns him favourable comparisons with a Parkhead cult hero who previously caught the eye.
He added: "Celtic are relentless at the moment. For all that Rangers have improved recently under Michael Beale, it's hard to see Celtic dropping points any time soon.
"Mooy has been key to that run of form over the past couple of months. Tom Rogic used to be known as the 'Magic Man' at Parkhead. We're now seeing another Aussie midfielder who looks like he would be worthy of that particular title."
READ NEXT:
