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Kasper Høgh is back in Celtic’s starting XI against Hibs despite Martin O’Neill’s side scoring seven goals against Hearts without the Dane leading the attack.
The £11m striker has struggled since returning from injury, but former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner believes there are good reasons for O’Neill to give him another opportunity at Easter Road.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s live coverage, Bonner explained why Høgh needs games to rebuild his confidence and what Celtic must do to help him score again.
Bonner said: “O’Neill has to get Hogh in the team. Celtic have paid big money for him, he’s probably on big wages.
“He’s lacking in confidence and they’ve got to find a way to build that up, and get him back to what he showed in those first couple of games.
“He’s not been right since his injury. They’ve just got to get the ball into the box for him, that’s key for how he plays.”
Høgh’s three Celtic goals all came in his hat-trick against Kilmarnock in August. His groin injury interrupted his early progress, and the goals have dried up since.
O’Neill has previously backed the striker to score 20 goals this season. There is plenty of work ahead if Høgh is to get anywhere near that figure.
Bonner believes getting more crosses into the penalty area would help. Høgh scored 53 goals in 102 appearances for Bodø/Glimt before joining Celtic, but he has struggled to find the same opportunities in Scotland.
Høgh starts through the middle against Hibs, with Camilo Durán moving to the right and Callum Osmand keeping his place on the left. Haissem Hassan drops to the bench.
It is an interesting call from O’Neill, particularly after Durán impressed centrally against Hearts. Following Celtic’s 4-1 defeat to Benfica, O’Neill admitted that he believed Durán’s strongest position was through the middle.
The Colombian has already explained why he believes he can play alongside Høgh, and O’Neill has now handed both players another opportunity to prove it.
Bonner wants Celtic to provide better service for Høgh, but moving Durán away from his preferred position brings its own concerns.
O’Neill needs goals from his record signing. Whether shifting one of his most dangerous attackers out wide is the best way to get them remains to be seen.