IT’S five months and a day since Oh Hyeon-gyu last scored a goal for Celtic.
The South Korean striker thumped in a double in the space of eight minutes in the 5-0 romp against Aberdeen as the curtain came down on a rollicking, thoroughly enjoyable and successful Premiership campaign at Parkhead on May 27.
Oh, a second-half substitute for Kyogo Furuhashi, flashed in a header in the 82nd minute and moments later reacted with lightning reflexes to sizzle in No.5 on the day the eleventh title in 12 years was presented to the worthy champions.
NET PROPHET…Oh Hyeon-gyu swoops to conquer with a goal in Celtic’s 5-0 win over Aberdeen in May.
As he saluted the joyous fans behind the goal, the 22-year-old international powerhouse would never have believed he would fire blanks although the way through August, September and October – unless he rectifies the situation against Hibs today – in the follow-up crusade.
It’s a puzzling situation, but, to be fair, Oh has yet to start a game this term and his nine appearances have all come off the bench.
His total span in two Champions League introductions barely amount to 20 minutes, including stoppage time, after replacing Daizen Maeda against Feyenoord in Rotterdam and Kyogo against Lazio.
Brendan Rodgers opted against pushing on Oh against Atletico Madrid in midweek when it was clear Kyogo had nothing left in his tank after an exhausting 78 minutes.
Instead of a straightforward exchange, the Hoops boss put on James Forrest to play wide and moved Maeda into the middle to lead the attack.
CAPITAL SHOW…Oh Hyeon-gyu celebrates his strike against Hibs at Easter Road last season.
Oh is under contract until June 2028 following his January arrival, so time is on his side.
But, like any striker, he thrives on putting the ball in the opposition’s net and so far that elusive first goal of the season has escaped him.
If he gets the opportunity, this afternoon in the capital would be an ideal setting to get the ball rolling.
Oh netted one of his seven strikes at the same venue during his debut campaign in May. Could lightning strike twice in the same place?
We wish him well.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from Hibs v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
