flag
back Back
Gordon Strachan explains why Celtic’s Kasper Hogh is ‘far better’ than Camilo Duran
Gordon Strachan looking on ahead of Celtic's Champions League clash against KR Reykjavik.
Photo by Ian MacNicol

Kasper Hogh isn’t meeting expectations at Celtic, and it has been a rough opening few months at his new club.

Despite signing from Bodo/Glimt as Celtic’s club-record transfer, Hogh has only scored in one game this term, but it has been quite the opposite for Camilo Duran.

TalkingPoints

Is a front three of Osmand, Duran and Hassan Celtic's strongest attacking line-up now? If not, who comes in instead? Yang, Jota and others are all in contention too…

Gordon Strachan backs Kasper Hogh to succeed at Celtic

Hogh was a key part of the Bodo/Glimt team that reached the knockout stages of the Champions League last season for the first time in their history.

Duran was part of the Qarabağ FK side that reached the play-off stages, before they were outclassed by Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.

Strachan noted Hogh’s goals during that run as a reason why he is better than Celtic’s versatile forward, as he was adamant that the goals are around the corner.

Many are starting to get worried about Hogh, but not Strachan, who stated on Open Goal, ‘of course he can turn it around.’

Si Ferry: “Why is that? (Celtic looking like they can’t even compete in the Europa League). When they are signing players that have done well in the Champions League last season? You look at Hogh and Duran. They are players who should be playing at that level, no? Doing well at that level.”

Gordon Strachan: “Why didn’t they sign for Barcelona or Real Madrid? AC Milan, Inter or Manchester City? Why aren’t they signing for them if they are that good?”

Paul Slane: “How worrying is it for the big boy Hogh?”

Strachan: “Listen, we have all been there as a player, and you start off as a striker. Course he can turn it around.”

Scott Allan: “What is it in him you see that makes you think he will change?”

Strachan: “You are talking about Duran’s record. Hogh is far better than Duran, in terms of who he played for and what they did.

“If you are looking for records and you are using that as an example, Bodo/Glimt were brilliant. They stood up to everybody. I can’t remember who Duran played, but they didn’t do that well.

“It depends on where they scored their Champions League goals, whether it’s the qualifying ones or the real ones. And who did you score against?”

Camilo Duran and Hogh’s records in Europe

It needs to be noted that Hogh is an out-and-out striker, whereas Duran has played across the front three, so he isn’t always in the goalscoring positions.

That said, both stood out in the Champions League last term, scoring five goals each for their respective clubs.

Player 2025/26 UCL games Starts Goals Assists Teams scored against
Hogh 12 12 5 3 Man City, Atlético, Inter and Sporting
Duran 10 10 5 1 Benfica, Ajax, Frankfurt, and Newcastle

On paper, it’s quite clear that Hogh scored against a better opposition, including the champions of Italy and a team coached by Pep Guardiola.

That backs up Strachan’s argument that Hogh has a better pedigree in Europe, with the Denmark star also assisting against the likes of Juventus and twice against Inter – Duran’s only assist last term came against Benfica.

But that was in the colours of different teams, the fact of the matter is, at Celtic, it’s night and day between the two.

You may like

Why £70m Real Madrid clause could actually help Chelsea sign Lionel Messi’s potential heir

thechelseachronicle.com 3 hours ago

Sunderland fans embarrassed because of how few tickets sold for cup match

themag.co.uk 5 hours ago

Vincent Kompany update: Further details 'emerge' after Bayern Munich manager's worrying collapse

sportsmole.co.uk 6 hours ago

Bruno Fernandes clears the air with Michael Carrick

www-tmp.thenational.scot 7 hours ago

Man Utd star gives 14-word verdict on how dressing room feels about Carrick stay

football365.com 12 hours ago

Arsenal To Appeal Controversial Red Card From Fleetwood Defeat

eplindex.com 1 hour ago

Rangers fan who kicked Celtic supporter faces jail

glasgowtimes.co.uk 8 hours ago

Who is Orri Oskarsson? The Nordic Everton striker target who debuted at just 13

everton.news 1 hour ago

Alexis Mac Allister 'informed of Liverpool exit plans' as midfielder disagrees

Liverpool Echo 5 hours ago

Roy Keane wanted as Manchester United assistant manager

centredevils.co.uk 4 hours ago