CELTIC’S record signing Kasper Hogh faces the AXE as Martin O’Neill plots his strategy ahead of the Premier Sports League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox tomorrow.
That’s the blunt verdict of former Hoops striker Chris Sutton who reckons the Danish dangerman, the champions’ £11million-plus summer recruit from Bodo/Glimt, could start on the bench for the first derby of the season.
Hogh has restricted his goalscoring for the Parkhead men to a remarkable first-half hat-trick against Kilmarnock in the 5-1 win in the second Premiership outing of the campaign.
He fired blanks again in the 1-0 victory over St Johnstone in Perth in midweek after returning from three games out through injury.
AIR WE GO…Kasper Hogh rises high to head in the first of his hat-trick in Celtic’s 5-1 Premiership victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last month.
Sutton reckons his old manager will have “some curveballs” to throw at the opposition in Govan in the High Noon showdown.
The one-time Parkhead fans’ favourite said: “I can see Martin O’Neill leaving Celtic’s record signing Kasper Hogh on the bench with Camilo Duran getting the nod.
“I like Hogh, but Duran’s form has made him undroppable and you get the best out of him through the middle.
“I get why some people have suggested he move off to the left wing, but it’s not something that would work for me.
“He’s not even played a minute out there for Celtic and it would upset the balance of the team.
“It’s the same argument for Haissem Hassan. I’ve been impressed with the Egyptian and I think he is going to do really well with Celtic when he gets fully up to speed.
“He’s not perfect and the final ball could do with some refining, but I’ve yet to see a full-back who can handle him.
HOLD ON…Haissem Hassan in action in Celtic’s 4-0 Premier Sports League Cup triumph over Dundee United at Tannadice.
“He’s had them all on toast so far and he’s brilliant at getting his team up the pitch and into dangerous areas.
“If he was in the frame to start wide left at Ibrox then surely he would have been given time there at St Johnstone the other night.”
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “Ibrox is no place to experiment.
“For all he has his critics, I think Sebastian Tounekti will get the shout on that flank.
“James Forrest is available and he looked good from the bench – but that is a better role for him as he can come on and make an impact.
“Similarly, Hogh and Shim Mheuka – who has also looked really sharp – are two incredibly dangerous options to call on if need be.”
The one-time England international, who tips the Hoops to win 3-1, added: “I’m still not convinced about Celtic’s midfield.
GRIN AND TONIC…Camilo Duran celebrates one of his six Celtic goals.
“They’ve struggled to control games and have been unconvincing without the ball, with teams being allowed far too many attempts on goal.
“Good sides will punish them. We can’t say for sure whether Rangers are a good team yet.
“There are a lot of new faces at Ibrox and this is a major test of ability and character.
“The heat would be well and truly on if it goes south for them tomorrow – they would be heading to Parkhead next weekend five points behind in the Premiership while out of Europe and the League Cup.”
The spotlight is on both sides on this occasion with so much at stake.
It’s a day for individuals to stand up and be counted.
Go for it, Celtic!
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