NafisaCeltic may have secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hibernian, but the debate surrounding Martin O’Neill’s attacking selection is showing no signs of going away after Kris Boyd delivered a brutal assessment of Kasper Hogh.
The former Rangers striker did not hold back when discussing Celtic’s decision to continue playing their record signing through the middle, insisting the Danish forward has done little to justify his continued selection ahead of Camilo Duran.
And with Duran once again proving decisive at Easter Road, Boyd believes the Colombian has every reason to question why he is being pushed out of his preferred position.
Celtic’s afternoon had already been complicated by Owen Elding’s classy opener for Hibs, before an own goal brought the visitors level. It was then left to Duran to settle a stormy encounter, firing home the winner to secure all three points for O’Neill’s side.
However, rather than focusing solely on the result, attention quickly turned to the contrasting fortunes of Celtic’s two attacking options.
Duran has continued to make an impact despite being deployed on the right wing, while Hogh endured another difficult afternoon leading the line. For Boyd, that contrast raises serious questions about whether Celtic are making the right decision.
Kris Boyd Questions Celtic’s £11m Kasper Hogh Decision
Speaking to Sky Sports, Boyd suggested Celtic’s substantial investment in Hogh could be influencing the club’s willingness to persist with him as their central striker.
The former Rangers forward argued that Duran’s performances have given O’Neill a compelling alternative, particularly when the Colombian is allowed to operate through the middle.
“I can totally understand his frustration. If Celtic hadn’t paid £11million for Kasper Hogh, would they continue persevering with him up front? Because right now he’s offering absolutely nothing,” Boyd said.
It was a scathing assessment of Hogh, with Boyd questioning whether the striker would continue receiving the same opportunities if Celtic had not committed such a significant transfer fee to bring him to the club.
The criticism will increase the pressure on Hogh to deliver more convincing performances, especially with Duran continuing to provide goals and decisive contributions despite being asked to play outside his natural position.
Boyd was equally clear about which player he believes has made the stronger case to lead the line.
“When Camilo Duran plays through the middle, Celtic look a far better team. So yes, I can understand why he’s frustrated,” he added.
For O’Neill, the challenge is balancing the need to get the best out of his record signing with the performances of a forward who has repeatedly given Celtic a reason to reconsider their attacking setup.
Aiden McGeady Raises Questions Over Camilo Duran’s Body Language
Boyd’s comments came in response to former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady’s observations about Duran’s body language after he was once again deployed on the right wing to accommodate Hogh.
Being moved away from his preferred central role could understandably frustrate a striker who believes he has done enough to earn more opportunities through the middle.
However, Duran’s response against Hibs was arguably the strongest possible statement. Rather than allowing the debate to overshadow his performance, he scored the decisive goal to secure Celtic’s victory.
Boyd acknowledged that it would be easy to interpret the Colombian’s demeanour as evidence of frustration, but insisted the match-winning contribution should not be overlooked.
“At the same time, he’s scored another match-winning goal today. It’s easy for us to sit here and say he’s sulking, but he’ll leave with the winner and he’ll be happy with that,” he said.
The comments suggest Boyd sees a clear distinction between questioning Duran’s body language and recognising the striker’s legitimate ambitions to play in his preferred position.
With goals continuing to strengthen his case, the Colombian has given O’Neill another reason to consider whether his role needs to change.
Martin O’Neill Faces a Big Celtic Selection Decision
Boyd’s strongest argument centred on the possibility that Duran is being denied the central striking role because of the money Celtic spent on Hogh.
The pundit questioned why a player delivering goals and strong performances should be moved out of position simply to accommodate a more expensive teammate.
“But I completely understand his point of view. If I’m the player scoring the goals and putting in the performances, and people are coming away from games saying I’ve been Celtic’s best striker, why am I being moved out of position just to accommodate someone because of the transfer fee?” Boyd continued.
He then doubled down on his criticism of Hogh, repeating: “I’ll say it again, Kasper Hogh is offering absolutely nothing for me.”
Those are strong words, and they place the spotlight firmly on O’Neill’s next selection decision.
Hogh still has an opportunity to answer his critics, but Celtic’s latest victory has strengthened the argument that Duran deserves a genuine run through the middle rather than being restricted to the right flank.
For now, Boyd has made his position unmistakably clear. He believes Celtic are getting more from Duran as a central striker and that Hogh’s transfer fee should not determine who starts in that role.
Whether O’Neill agrees will become clearer in Celtic’s upcoming fixtures, but after another match-winning contribution from Duran, the pressure to reconsider the pecking order is growing.
Nafisa
