The free agent Celtic hero who never hit the mark at West Brom - before retiring at 30 after Hawthorns exit

Back in 2022, one free agent who was without a club was Australian midfielder Tom Rogic.

The 53 cap international had played over 270 games for Scottish giants Celtic over a nine year spell - become a firm fan hero during his time at Parkhead.

But as the transfer window slammed shut, Albion made a move to bring Rogic to the club on a one year deal.

Arriving in September, Rogic would go on to make 23 appearances and score two goals for Albion before the club decided against taking up an option of offering Rogic another year.

Despite being such a hero at Celtic for his technical displays, he was never taken to by the Albion fans.

He did have moments of class, such as his goal in a memorable 2-1 win over Sunderland in late 2022.

But he departed Albion having not made a huge impact. In the summer of 2023 after his Albion departure he was linked with a number of clubs, before two months after the transfer window closed, he announced his shock retirement.

At just 30, Rogic had decided to hang up his boots and removed himself from the public eye.

Why did Rogic retire?

Rogic's retirement came as a shock due to his age - but he went into detail to explain why he made the decision to step away from the game.

In a statement at the time, he said: "After careful consideration I have made the decision to retire from professional football. I have always been rather private with things in my personal life but I feel given the significance, I think it is important for people to understand why and how I have made my decision.

"Throughout the past 7 years, my wife and I have been on an immensely challenging journey with fertility issues. After years of trying and many failed rounds of IVF, my wife and I were fortunate enough to welcome the birth of our daughter in 2021.

"I have loved every minute of being a dad and consider it my greatest achievement in life. After experiencing some more struggles and heartache with fertility treatment, we have recently received the amazing news that our family is growing and we will be expecting twins in 2024.

"Given our past and how hard we have fought for this, along with the challenges that will come with having twins and a two-year-old, now seems like the right time to give my focus and attention to what is the most important thing in my life - my family."

Despite that decision, Rogic is set to make an emotional return to Celtic later this year in a Celtic v Manchester United legends game.