Martin O'Neill must demand more from Kasper Hogh as fresh defence issued
Martin O'Neill has issued a fresh defence of Kasper Hogh after another disappointing performance from the striker on Sunday. Celtic defeated Hibs 2-1, coming from behind after conceding within three minutes.
The Bhoys were beneficiaries of an own goal just two minutes after the opener, and Camilo Durán went on to score the game-winner shortly before half-time with a quality finish.
In truth, it was a game devoid of quality, especially in the second half, with an intense wind having a major say on proceedings. Hibs even put centre-back Grant Hanley up top late in the game, accepting their only joy was going to come from blasting the ball up the pitch and trying to pick up second balls.
One man who wasn't on the pitch at that stage was Celtic striker Hogh, who continued his poor run of form despite being given another chance to start.
Hogh hasn't scored since his second appearance in a Celtic shirt, and his form has been disappointing overall. But even after another empty display from Hogh, O'Neill still believes it just comes down to the forward needing a goal.
"I just think it's the goals," O'Neill told Sky Sports. "I keep saying this, but the goals will come. I'm not just saying it to please myself, but if you are a box player, it may not happen elsewhere on the field if you get a goal, it will come for him."
O'Neill should demand more from Hogh
Anyone with eyes and half a footballing brain can see that Hogh isn't giving Celtic anywhere near enough in terms of his overall game, forget the goals or lack thereof. His finishing is poor, yes, but you often get that from target man, and you accept it as long as they are a net positive in terms of what they give your team.
Hogh isn't really giving Celtic anything at the top end of the pitch currently, and that can't be put down to just goals. When he scores one, perhaps more will follow, but will his performances improve?
The Bhoys can get away with one or the other in the league, but they are going to need a forward who can provide both at least semi-regularly if they are going to properly compete in Europe, and that goes for this season and the seasons to come.
O'Neill is giving Hogh too much grace with this notion that it is all down to goals. Quite frankly, he would be better off seeking the overall performance and going without the goals, which are already coming from elsewhere.
