Key Points
- According to Chris Sutton, the Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill may opt to have their record signing Kasper Hogh sitting on the bench during their next big game against Rangers in Ibrox.
- Kasper Hogh recently joined Celtic in a highly publicized deal worth more than £11 million, and he has been contributing to four goals in just six games so far.
- Former Celtic player Chris Sutton believes that the current best player for Celtic in the central attacking position is Camilo Duran.
- In addition, the pundit was not afraid to voice his opinion on the current controversy in the choice of goalkeeper, saying that Sam Johnstone has done enough to get the starting position over Viljami Sinisalo.
- According to the expert, there are two tactical puzzles for the manager regarding the formation because the choices in the back four and midfield seem clear, but the biggest tactical question is in the forward position.
Glasgow Glasgow Express September 12, 2026 — As the tension builds ahead of the first major Glasgow derby of the season, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has voiced a striking tactical prediction regarding manager Martin O’Neill’s potential starting lineup. Speaking on tactical adjustments and team selections, Sutton suggested that the Parkhead side could see major personnel changes for the trip across the city. Among the most notable talking points is the future of Celtic’s record acquisition, Kasper Hogh, who arrived from Bodo/Glimt for a fee surpassing £11 million. Despite managing four goal contributions in his opening six appearances for the club, Hogh faces the very real prospect of finding himself named among the substitutes when the whistle blows at Ibrox.
Why might Martin O’Neill drop record signing Kasper Hogh against Rangers?
The tactical debate surrounding Celtic’s frontline has intensified following recent performances and manager Martin O’Neill’s post-match observations. As detailed by media outlets, O’Neill previously voiced frustration regarding his forward players’ profligacy during a narrow victory against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, where opportunities were squandered to put the game to bed earlier.
However, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes that the decision to potentially bench Hogh is less about a dip in overall quality and more about the irresistible current form of teammate Camilo Duran. Analysing the tactical landscape, Sutton explained his reasoning regarding the central attacking responsibilities.
As reported by journalists covering the remarks, Sutton stated that
“he could chuck another few curveballs this weekend. There might be a few of them”.
Focusing specifically on the striking department, Sutton elaborated:
“And I can see O’Neill leaving Celtic’s record signing Kasper Hogh on the bench with Camilo Duran getting the nod. I like Hogh but Duran’s form has made him undroppable and you get the best out of him through the middle”.
Furthermore, addressing suggestions that Duran might be shifted out to accommodate both players, Sutton firmly dismissed the notion. He added:
“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”.
Who will win the battle for the goalkeeper position at Ibrox?
Beyond the attacking configuration, the selection puzzle for Celtic extends to the last line of defence. With the defensive back four and midfield core largely settled in the eyes of observers, the goalkeeping jersey remains a subject of intense discussion among supporters and pundits alike.
Viljami Sinisalo has handled domestic duties competently, yet recent performances have complicated the hierarchy. According to Sutton’s assessment of the squad’s readiness, a change between the sticks could represent another major tactical curveball deployed by the management team.
Providing his clear verdict on the situation, Sutton noted:
“I would think Sam Johnstone has played himself into the team with his assured display the other night, even if I do have sympathy for Viljami Sinisalo, who hasn’t done much wrong”.
Johnstone’s composure during recent high-stakes minutes appears to have tipped the scales in his favour, giving O’Neill a reliable, experienced presence as they prepare for the hostile atmosphere of Ibrox.
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Background of the Development
The looming fixture at Ibrox arrives amid a period of intense scrutiny and high stakes in Scottish football. Celtic’s squad evolution under Martin O’Neill has involved significant financial investment, highlighted by the substantial outlay to bring Kasper Hogh to Glasgow from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. Club record signings naturally carry immense weight and expectation, particularly heading into fixtures against fierce cross-city rivals Rangers. At the same time, squad rotation and tactical flexibility have become essential hallmarks of O’Neill’s management style as he navigates domestic league commitments alongside intense cup fixtures and European aspirations. Pundits and former players frequently scrutinise these early-season selections, knowing that success or failure in the initial Old Firm clashes can heavily influence momentum for the remainder of the campaign.
Impact on the Audience
If Martin O’Neill opts to implement Chris Sutton’s predicted tactical curveballs—benched record signing Kasper Hogh in favour of Camilo Duran and starting Sam Johnstone in goal—it will signal a pragmatic, form-driven approach to high-pressure matches rather than relying purely on player valuations. For the Celtic supporters and the wider squad, this approach emphasises that reputation takes a backseat to immediate tactical suitability and match sharpness. For the broader audience of Scottish football followers, deploying Duran centrally could alter how Celtic press and exploit defensive spaces at Ibrox, potentially setting a physical and clinical precedent for upcoming fixtures. Conversely, leaving an £11 million investment on the bench will place an immense spotlight on Duran to deliver goals, while any defensive or goalkeeping missteps by a newly selected starting XI will immediately invite intense analysis from both media and fans.
