The Danish international, who for a number of years delivered goals on a continuous basis for Bodø/Glimt, is trying to avoid becoming Celtic’s last striker failure – but the competition is getting tougher.
Høgh joined Bhoys for £11 million plus add-ons in the summer, and was supposed to be the signing that gave the attack real quality. The expectation was for the Dane to start, with Camilo Durán competing for the spot.
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The reality has been the exact opposite.
Durán has been a sensation wherever he has played – centrally or on the wing – and even when he hasn’t scored, he has been a workhorse Celtic fans have loved to watch. He was initially pushed out on the flank to make room for Høgh, but due to the latter’s poor form, Durán has lately been playing more often in his more natural position. With goals in each of his last three games, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Martin O’Neill to avoid using him there.
Høgh started centrally against Benfica, but was substituted at half-time after burning a great chance from a meter. That extended the goal drought that now stretches over two months. The expensive summer signing has not scored since his hat-trick against Kilmarnock on August 9.
His finishing has been clumsy, and in his desperation to turn things around, he has often found himself out of position – unable to deliver the lively passing game Celtic fans saw from him early on.
O’Neill holds firm
O’Neill has been patient with the striker and suggested that Høgh only needs one goal to turn the situation around.
“At the end of the season, I expect Kasper Høgh to score 20 goals,” O’Neill told Sky Sports.
“He’s lost a bit of confidence. We’ll get it back eventually. We’ve got game after game between now and January, but he wants to score goals for us – there’s no doubt about that. It’s just a matter of refining a bit, but that’s how this business is.
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But the excuses come to an end
Callum Osmand started on the left for Celtic in the 7-1 win over Hearts at the weekend, and found seamless chemistry with Durán. The former Welsh youth international scored twice – the first a clinical 1-on-1 finish, exactly the kind Celtic’s £11 million signing has failed to deliver.
It was Osmand’s very first start for Celtic as a 20-year-old. If he can do that, there is no excuse for Høgh not to produce. Osmand, who is naturally a striker, is a big threat to Høgh’s playing time – and the first half against Hearts should shock the Dane in form.
Høgh’s weak season so far:
- Matches: 8
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 2
- Shots per game: 3.2
- Ball losses per game: 1.5
- Missed touches per game: 2.2
- Expected goals per 90: 0.89
A glimmer of light – and a new pressure
Høgh came in from the bench against Hearts and delivered a good moment: He received the ball, turned and played Benjamin Nygren free for his second goal – Celtic’s seventh.
It was exactly the kind of moment Høgh needs to regain his confidence, and it provides two assists in two league games – both to Nygren’s goal. But Celtic need more than that from the striker. They need him to take the ball and get shots on goal, which he doesn’t currently do.
Any confidence boost is welcome. But together with the new pressure from Osmand, this must be the moment Høgh takes an extra step. If not, he risks being a failure at £11 million – and he has probably already been given more freedom than most, thanks to the large sum and reputation as a player.
