O’Neill backs Hogh to end goal drought

Kasper Hogh’s poor form in front of goal continued despite Celtic beating Kilmarnock on Sunday, but Martin O’Neill insists he is not worried about the striker.

The Celtic manager says everyone at the club retains full confidence in Hogh, despite his goal drought extending to 16 games following the 1-0 win over Kilmarnock.

Liam Scales’ 26th-minute strike proved decisive as the Hoops moved four points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Benjamin Nygren saw a penalty saved by Nico Mantl in the second half, but that ultimately did not prove costly as Celtic won their ninth consecutive league meeting with Kilmarnock, their longest winning streak against them since April 2007.

But it was another frustrating day for the club’s record signing, Hogh, who arrived from Bodo/Glimt in an £11m deal in July and has scored only three goals for the club.

All three of those came in a hat-trick against Kilmarnock when the teams previously met in August.

Since then, the Dane has failed to net in 16 outings for the Glasgow giants, though he did have a goal disallowed for offside on Sunday.

O’Neill is certain things will change soon, insisting the striker worked exceptionally hard against Kilmarnock, as he had on Thursday.

The Celtic boss revealed he thought Hogh had finally broken his drought, even if only for around 35 seconds, and believed he might have scored his next chance had the first effort counted.

He also praised Hogh’s hold-up play, saying it has improved significantly, and stressed that the forward’s overall contribution remains valuable despite his struggles in front of goal.

Nygren’s missed penalty came shortly after Hogh was substituted, but O’Neill would not have asked the Dane to take the spot-kick even if he were still on the pitch.

Celtic will now head into the international break sitting top of the table, with O’Neill hopeful the pause will allow Hogh to reset and rediscover his scoring touch.

The Hoops host St Mirren in their first game back from the international break on November 21, with a Europa League trip to Torreense to come five days later.

O’Neill will be hoping that by then, his record signing has finally ended his long wait for a goal.