O'Neill Backs Celtic Record Signing Hogh Amid Goal Drought

Martin O’Neill has thrown his support behind Celtic’s record signing Kasper Hogh, defending the striker’s overall contribution despite a 15-match goal drought. The vote of confidence comes as pressure mounts on the Danish forward after he failed to find the net in the 3–2 Europa League victory over Besiktas on Thursday.

Hogh became the club’s record signing in an £11 million transfer (plus add-ons) following a prolific spell at Bodo/Glimt, where he scored against Champions League opponents including Inter, Manchester City, and Atlético Madrid. He started his Celtic career brightly with a hat-trick in a 5–1 win over Kilmarnock in his second appearance, but those remain his only goals for the club to date.

Earlier this week, national team coach Brian Riemer omitted Hogh from the squad for upcoming matches against Portugal and Wales. The forward came off the bench in all four Nations League matches during the previous international break. His direct rival for the position, Camilo Duran, has been more prolific recently, scoring seven goals in his last eight matches.

“I want my central strikers to be able to hold up the ball, and that is exactly what he did. He isn’t Duran. He isn’t a dribbler. But if he can perform like this for us against strong opponents, it puts him in a good position going forward,” says O’Neill, according to “The Scotsman”.

O’Neill acknowledges that Duran can also operate as a winger, though he is most effective in a central role. Hogh has faced harsh criticism in Scotland throughout this barren run. For now, the record signing retains the manager’s confidence, and O’Neill predicts better times ahead.

“I wanted to see him show strength and fight when the ball was played up to him. He did that very well and brought his teammates into the play. Remember, this guy has scored goals in the Champions League. This performance will boost his confidence, as he succeeded so well in that aspect of the game.”

During the drought, Hogh has provided four assists for his teammates.