Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Kasper Hogh and Kieran Tierney could play a part in Celtic’s Premiership match at St Johnstone.
O’Neill had to alter his team selection at the weekend with both players ruled out through injury.
Hogh hasn’t played since the LASK defeat, while Tierney was forced off in the following game against Falkirk. Assistant manager Shaun Maloney hoped to have the duo back by now, but neither made the squad for Saturday’s 2-1 win over St Mirren.
O’Neill admitted that Hogh has had a bit more time on the grass than Tierney – who only returned on Tuesday.
O’Neill said (via Celtic Player):
“Well, we’ve got Kasper Hogh back the last couple of days, Kieran Tierney did a little bit of work with us this morning for his time back, so we’ll have a look to see how they are.
“We’ve got a couple of other fitness issues for players, but we’ll try and go as strong as we possibly can.
“Yeah, obviously Kasper’s had the extra day, we’ll see how they are tomorrow night.”
Camilo Duran has proven more than capable of filling in up top in Hogh’s absence. The 24-year-old has netted three goals and racked up two assists in his last three matches in his more-favoured role leading the line. His form has earned him a cll up to the Colombian national team for the very first time.
Liam Scales has been deployed at left-back in Tierney’s absence and had a mixed outing in Paisley, conceding a penalty for handball before firing Celtic ahead later on.
Having both players back and available will be a welcome boost and give O’Neill more food for thought going forward.
Though given Tierney has trained once, Scales could get the nod again. Duran’s form means O’Neill has a decision to make regarding his starting striker in Perth – it would make little sense dropping the South American for Hogh, who cannot be rushed back with so many crucial games ahead.
Keep Reading
