The mercurial Socceroo's 19th minute strike in the 3-0 win at Dundee United was being hailed as a contender for goal of the season in Scotland amid his hugely impressive performance at Tannadice on Sunday.

The moment of magic left Postecoglou hailing the 28-year-old midfielder that he's admired over the years for club and country as a "special footballer".

Picking up the ball on the right touchline, there appeared little danger when Rogic left one defender trailing, slalomed his way inside two others at the edge of the box and evaded a fourth before slotting a curling left-footer into the corner.

His 'worldie' of a goal left his former Socceroos boss Postecoglou laughing in delight on the touchline as it lit the touchpaper for Celtic.

They added a further excellent goal from David Turnbull before halftime and sealed a dominant win with substitute Liam Scales' late third just eight minutes into his Scottish Premiership debut.

The victory leaves Postecoglou's side still four points adrift of Rangers at the top but the return of one of his favourites will warm the manager who also watched Rogic make a difference after a month out with injury when he returned in the win over Hearts in midweek.

Celtic fans have been used to watching their rangy and twinkle-footed midfielder score some belters among his 42 goals for Celtic, but this one was as good as any.

"Brilliant," conceded Postecoglou.

"Yeah, I do know him well; he's one of these special footballers. When the ball goes to him, I think everyone just stops to see what he's going to do because if you're looking down at your phone or taking a drink, you want to stop everything you're doing.

"And it's not just his technique. He's a strong player, hard to knock off the ball.

"But I've always enjoyed coaching Tommy. I had him for a number of years with the national team and, even as a manager, I get excited when he's out there playing his football.

"Tommy is one of those guys I take great pride in working with and seeing him develop."

It wasn't just his goal that impressed, with Rogic being instrumental in making Celtic tick in midfield.

Yet Postecoglou is wary of overdoing the Australian international's return after his injury break and had the luxury of bringing him off with 20 minutes left with the game won.

"I'm pleased he got his goal today. I think that's an area he's let himself down a little bit so far this year, he's had a few opportunities so I'm glad he's got his reward now," said Postecoglou.

It was only Rogic's second goal of the season for the Celts but will be one that lives long in the memory of the fans.

Australian Associated Press