Martin O’Neill questioned over Henrik Larsson comparison amid Kasper Hogh struggles
James McFadden believes Celtic striker Kasper Hogh is beginning to rediscover his confidence despite his ongoing goalscoring struggles.
The £11million summer signing was denied his first goal since August during Sunday’s narrow 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock, with VAR ruling out his effort after he had already begun celebrating.
Despite his frustration in front of goal, Hogh impressed with his overall contribution, building on an encouraging display in Thursday night’s Europa League victory over Besiktas.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill referenced Henrik Larsson’s difficult start to life at Parkhead when discussing the striker after the match, although McFadden questioned whether the comparison was appropriate.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, McFadden said: “It’s tough. He’s been managed well, because he’s been given an opportunity. I think there’s a big appreciation for his work and his performance on Thursday night against Besiktas.
“Likewise, today he gets his goal and it’s ruled out. Kasper Hogh, for me, when he was actually really struggling, he couldn’t do the simple thing. He was trying and trying and trying. Sometimes, the harder you try, the worse it becomes for you. And then you start overthinking it, and you can’t get yourself into a position where you can impact the game.
“I think he’s really simplified his game. He’s fighting defenders, he’s trying to hold the ball up. He’s trying to link the play. He gets his goal today… I think, if it stands, we saw the last time they played against Kilmarnock he got a hat-trick, he may well have got a huge lift from that.
“But he has to reflect on the positives. I think he’s in that stage just now… and I know it sounds really strange when you’re talking about a guy they’ve paid so much money for, but for him, it’s just ‘Do the simple things and do them well.’
“If you do that, the rest will come. Martin O’Neill is trying and trying… I’m not sure if it was wise for him to be bringing up Henrik Larsson in that conversation, but Henrik Larsson did not get off to the best start in his Celtic career, and he didn’t just turn it around, he smashed it out the park!
“But I don’t think he should be mentioning him in the same sentence as Henrik Larsson!”
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