Martin O'Neill backed Celtic striker Kasper Hogh to reach 20 goals by the end of the season despite his poor run in front of goal. At the time of the reports, Hogh's only goals for Celtic had come in a hat-trick against Kilmarnock on his second appearance for the club.
O'Neill's backing
Martin O’Neill said: "At the end of the season I expect Kasper Hogh to score 20 goals."
He also said: "He has lost a bit of confidence; we will get that back during the course of time."
O’Neill added: "We have game after game after game between now and January, but he will score goals for us; there is no question about it, and it is just a matter of tinkering around, but that’s the nature of the business."
Hogh's recent run
FootballTransfers said Hogh's barren run in front of goal had extended to 13 games for club and country. The same outlet said he was substituted at half-time in the Europa League match against Benfica after missing a number of chances.
O’Neill said: "That would have been nice if he’d scored that goal."
He added: "Because at the end of it all, centre-forwards or strikers live or die by goals. They really do."
O’Neill also said: "That was a good chance to score on Thursday night. But overall, over the course of the season, I think he’ll be absolutely fine."
He said: "At this minute, he just needs a goal because it does give you a big boost of confidence."
Move to Celtic and fixture
Celtic Shorts said Hogh joined Celtic from Bodo/Glimt in the summer transfer window, while FootballTransfers said he arrived from Bodo/Glimt in the summer. Celtic Shorts said Celtic were due to play Hearts on 18 October.
Team results
FootballTransfers said Celtic had lost four of their last five matches in all competitions, including two against Rangers.