Chris Sutton believes Martin O’Neill could throw the ultimate curveball when Celtic travel to Ibrox tomorrow – by leaving the club’s record signing on the bench.
Kasper Høgh arrived at Parkhead with significant pressure on his shoulders following his big-money move to Celtic, but while the Danish striker has shown plenty of encouraging signs, goals have been harder to come by.
His only goals for the Hoops have come in the form of a hat-trick against Kilmarnock.
Høgh has worked tirelessly for the team and his movement has helped bring other players into the game, while his ability to link up and hold the ball has offered Celtic something different in attack.
However, Sutton believes O’Neill could opt for a different approach against Rangers, with Camilo Duran’s sensational form making the Colombian difficult to leave out.
Duran has been one of Celtic’s standout performers since arriving at Parkhead, scoring six goals and providing three assists in his first nine games.
His pace and skill give him that quality that we don’t often see at Celtic Park. He’s the type of player that keeps you on the edge of your seat and can create some magic.
The constant threat of Duran could be deployed through the middle tomorrow.
The former Celtic striker can therefore see O’Neill making the difficult decision to leave Høgh out of his starting XI and hand Duran the central role.
“I can see O’Neill leaving Celtic’s record signing Kasper Hogh on the bench with Camilo Duran getting the nod,” Sutton said.
“I like Hogh but Duran’s form has made him undroppable and you get the best out of him through the middle.
“I get why some people have suggested he move off to the left wing but it’s not something that would work for me. He’s not even played a minute out there for Celtic and it would upset the balance of the team.” [RecordSport]
It would be a bold call from O’Neill given the investment Celtic made in Høgh.
With Duran in the form of his life, Sutton believes the Colombian has earned the right to lead the line in one of the biggest games of the season.
But that could mean losing out on the physical threat of Høgh, who could occupy the defence and bring other players into the game. A tough call for the gaffer.
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