Martin O’Neill has acknowledged that Kasper Høgh may have been frustrated watching Celtic’s second-half attacking display against Dundee United after being substituted at half-time.

The Danish striker was withdrawn alongside Callum Osmand during Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw at Celtic Park, with O’Neill introducing Jota and Haissem Hassan in an attempt to turn the game around.

Celtic had taken the lead through Camilo Durán after 18 minutes, with Høgh playing an important part in the opening goal by laying the ball into the Colombian’s path.

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However, two quick Dundee United goals left Celtic trailing 2-1 at the interval and forced O’Neill into making changes.

Speaking during his post-match press conference, O’Neill said: (TCW), “I thought we needed it. Young Callum Osmand, his natural position is a striker or playing alongside somebody that’s got a bit of strength. I’ve been really pleased with him. But we made the changes.”

He continued: “Kasper again I thought worked really hard in the match for us. He set up the goal for us as well too. But we just wanted a change and we thought we’re going to go wide with the two players who can take people on.”

The substitutions had the desired effect, with Jota and Hassan causing problems for the Dundee United defence throughout the second half.

That improved service prompted a question about whether Høgh might feel aggrieved at missing out on the opportunities being created after his departure.

O’Neill replied: “That’s probably very true.”

The Celtic manager then acknowledged that the striker could understandably have been disappointed to watch the improved attacking display from the sidelines.

“You know, he, as I said to you, he played a part. I thought he worked exceptionally hard for us again.

“One or two things that he tried maybe didn’t come off, but overall he’s made the goal. That will give him a boost of confidence. Yeah, and you’re right.

“So we put on two wide players and then I’m sure he probably was frustrated that he’s sitting and not playing a part in the second half.”

O’Neill’s comments were an assessment of how Høgh might have felt rather than confirmation that the striker had complained about being substituted.

The situation nevertheless presents an interesting selection question for the Celtic manager.

Høgh contributed to Celtic’s opening goal, but the decision to introduce two natural wide players gave the side a different attacking threat.

Durán moved into the central striking position, allowing Jota and Hassan to attack from wider areas and deliver balls into the box.

Despite Celtic’s improved performance, they could only recover a point against Jim Goodwin’s side.

With Falkirk away on Sunday, O’Neill must now decide whether to restore Høgh to the starting eleven or retain the attacking shape that helped Celtic take control of the second half.

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