Martin O'Neill, manager of Celtic, has expressed that he is not overly concerned about striker Kasper Hogh's current goal drought, which has extended to 15 matches. Hogh, Celtic's record signing at £11 million from Bodo/Glimt, has not scored since netting a hat-trick against Kilmarnock on August 9.
Despite Hogh failing to score in the recent Europa League match against Besiktas, from which he was substituted 13 minutes before time, O'Neill highlighted the player's strong performance in holding up the ball and bringing teammates into play. He acknowledged Hogh's frustration but emphasized that the Dane's contribution to the team's overall play was significant.
"I want centre-forwards to be able to hold it and that is what he did," O'Neill stated. "He is not Duran, he is not a dribbler. But if he can do this for us against strong opposition it will stand him in good stead."
O'Neill suggested that confidence might be an issue for Hogh, especially with his omission from the latest Denmark squad. However, he believes the performance against Besiktas will ultimately benefit the player. "Of course, you want centre-forwards to score and, of course, centre-forwards live on them," O'Neill added. "But I said to him that last night I wanted him to be strong and fight when the ball is played up to him. I thought in terms of holding the ball up and bringing people into the game, that he did really well."
While Hogh's goalless run continues, teammate Camilo Duran stole the spotlight against Besiktas with two goals, securing Celtic's first Europa League victory of the season and bringing his personal tally to 13 goals. O'Neill praised Duran's current form, noting his dynamism as a center forward.
"At this minute, he is on fire," O'Neill said of the Colombian. "He can play wide right, he has done that. He has played wide left for his other club. But centre forward is where he is dynamic."
Looking ahead, O'Neill indicated that decisions on team selection, particularly between Hogh and Duran, would be made based on upcoming matches. He reiterated that Hogh has a history of scoring in the Champions League and that his recent performance, despite the lack of goals, should provide a confidence boost. "But it will be nice for him to score a goal," O'Neill concluded.
The victory over Besiktas has revitalized Celtic's European campaign. With three points secured at the halfway stage of the group, O'Neill believes two more wins could see the team advance to the knockout rounds. "It was really pleasing and really important," he said of the dramatic win. "From the European side, we have given ourselves a chance. We will have to go and win away from home and it will not be easy."