Celtic 'worried' about Kasper Hogh injury as Rangers fall-out continues
Celtic have new concerns about Kasper Hogh's injury issues after a major downturn in his performances, sources have told Football Insider.
The 25-year-old enjoyed an immediate impact at Parkhead as he scored a hattrick against Kilmarnock in just his second Premiership game, but has not found the net since.
A thigh injury saw him miss games against Falkirk, Aberdeen and St Mirren, and conecerns have grown about his fitness since his return from that muscle blow.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic are worried about Hogh's recent form after his display during their 1-0 defeat to Rangers.
The striker, who arrived at Celtic for club-record £11million during the summer transfer window, failed to have a single shot or dribble and completed just nine passes in 45 minutes.
Hogh's underwhelming performances in what was a hugely important game for the Hoops has raised red flags, and they hope he will show major improvements after the break.
Why are Celtic concerned about Kasper Hogh?
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in July that Hogh is now Celtic's highest-paid player after they beat Premier League clubs to the striker's signature.
The Hoops worked hard to reach an agreement with Bodo/Glimt for the forward, who was identified as their top attacking target during the summer transfer window.
However, concerns have already emerged about his fitness after he struggled upon his return from a significant injury, and they are looking to see major improvements.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I don't think there will be any knee-jerk reactions about Hogh's performances, but they are a bit worried.
"Obviously he picked up an injury which forced him to miss three league games, and since he's come back from that injury, he has looked a bit short of sharpness.
"He has struggled to impress since returning to the side after that blow. He started on the bench in that most recent Old Firm defeat to Rangers as well and had little impact when he came on.
"Celtic put in a lot of effort to try and sign Casper Hogh, they spent £11million on him in the summer, so they are hoping he will be a regular goalscorer for them.
"I think it might be just taking him a bit of time to settle into his new club and Celtic will be hoping that he can find his form sooner rather than later."
Which other issues are Celtic now facing?
The disappointing 1-0 defeat in the Old Firm derby at Parkhead before the international break has sparked more concerns than just those about Hogh's recent performances.
That result capped off a nightmare week, following the previous 3-0 defeat to Rangers and a Europa League loss against Ferencvaros, piling the pressure on Martin O'Neill.
Football Insider revealed on 27 September that O'Neill is unlikely to leave Celtic in the near future after both the club and the players threw their backing behind the boss.
However, a harsh reaction from the home crowd forced the boss to consider his options and he hinted that he could walk away if he feels they could be better off without him.
Celtic remain on high alert as a result, with question marks now surrounding O'Neill's future, and they could be forced into a change if results do not improve.