Five Celtic stars offer attacking alternative as Martin O'Neill no longer made to 'flog a dead horse'

Pundit Michael Stewart reckons the recent success of Celtic’s attacking force means manager Martin O’Neill no longer needs to persist with out-of-form striker Kasper Hogh.

The Dane become the club’s record breaking signing in the summer - but is currently in the midst of a 13-match goal drought for club and country. Hogh’s performances were becoming cause for concern, particularly during Celtic’s pre-international break dip in form when they lost three in a row. However, Sunday’s 7-1 Premiership demolition of Hearts proved the manager can trust other options.

Attackers Haissem Hassan, Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand started in the win over the Jambos. The electric pace of the trio proved to much for the Hearts defence on the day. Furthermore, with winger Jota returning from his 18-month sideline and fellow wide man Yang Hyun-jun set to come back from injury in a couple of weeks, Celtic are adding depth to their attack.

Why Celtic no longer need to ‘flog a dead horse’

Speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club, Stewart discussed the attributes of the new-look Celtic front three. He said: “Hassan, Doran and Osmond have got great pace and that frightens any side. The three of them are pretty good finishers as well. So, all of a sudden you've got a front line that certainly will put a lot of fear and they'll ask a lot of questions from their opponents because of that pace that they've got.”

As host Darrell Currie reminded the former Hearts captain about Jota and Yang as well, Stewart responded: “Of course, they will give the manager more options as well. What it also does is it gives him a bit of a breather in regards to not having to flung a dead horse at the moment in Kasper Hogh. Give him a bit of space, take him out the firing line because he's got these alternatives and options to use at the moment.”

Makeshift attack works wonders for Hoops

Hogh’s inclusion in the side has led Duran at times to be deployed on the right-hand side, rather than his preferred position through the middle. The Colombian did start as the number nine on Saturday, but this meant that Osmand was now out of position on the left hand side. However, with a brace for the Welshman and three goal contributions for Duran, Stewart believes the tactical switch-up worked a treat.

He continued: “Calum Osmond - he's not a left-sided attacker, but it's almost just a case of needs must, because he makes a difference. So, it's not the front line where they're all fitting into their perfect positions, but sometimes you just get the balance there and it works. Just look at the pure pace. These guys are onto things in a flash. They're past the defenders before they can even think about it.

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