NafisaCeltic may have secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hibernian, but the celebrations have been overshadowed by a fierce debate over one of Martin O’Neill’s biggest attacking decisions.
The Scottish champions claimed all three points at Easter Road after recovering from Owen Elding’s classy opener, with a Hibernian own goal restoring parity before Camilo Duran struck the decisive winner. Yet the result has done little to silence questions about why Celtic continue to deploy their record signing through the middle.
And now, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has delivered a brutal verdict that has put the spotlight firmly on Celtic’s £11million investment, with his extraordinary assessment of Kasper Hogh certain to fuel further debate among supporters.
Kris Boyd Launches Brutal Attack On Celtic’s £11m Star
Speaking to Sky Sports after Celtic’s victory, Boyd questioned whether Hogh would continue receiving the same opportunities if the club had not spent such a substantial fee to secure his services.
The pundit did not soften his words when assessing the Danish striker’s contribution, arguing that Duran has made a stronger case to lead the line despite repeatedly being deployed on the right wing.
“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 damning assessment of a player expected to make a significant impact at Parkhead.
Boyd’s argument centres on whether Celtic’s investment in Hogh is influencing O’Neill’s selection decisions, potentially leaving another forward frustrated despite delivering important contributions.
The criticism becomes particularly striking when considering Duran’s latest performance. The Colombian once again demonstrated his ability to influence a match, scoring the winner against Hibernian despite being asked to operate away from his preferred central position.
Boyd believes that contrast should force Celtic to reconsider their attacking options rather than continuing to accommodate their more expensive signing.
‘Celtic Look A Far Better Team’ With Duran Through The Middle
Boyd was equally direct when explaining why he believes Duran deserves an opportunity to lead Celtic’s attack.
“When Camilo Duran plays through the middle, Celtic look a far better team. So yes, I can understand why he’s frustrated,” he added.
The statement raises an uncomfortable question for O’Neill: should Celtic prioritise the player who cost the club £11million, or the forward whose performances are giving the manager another reason to change his plans?
Duran’s winner at Easter Road has strengthened his argument for a more prominent role. While Celtic had to recover from an early setback, the Colombian ultimately delivered the moment that secured victory.
For Boyd, that is precisely why Duran’s position deserves attention. If the forward is scoring decisive goals and producing strong performances, the pundit believes there is little justification for moving him away from the centre simply to make room for Hogh.
The former Rangers striker’s comments are likely to divide opinion. Some supporters may agree that performances should determine the starting lineup, regardless of transfer fees, while others may believe Hogh deserves more time to justify Celtic’s investment.
Either way, Boyd has made his position clear.
Aiden McGeady Raises Questions Over Duran’s Body Language
Boyd’s comments came in response to former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, who raised questions about Duran’s body language after he was again deployed on the right wing.
Being moved away from his preferred central role could understandably frustrate a forward who believes he has done enough to earn greater responsibility through the middle.
However, Duran’s response against Hibernian was difficult to ignore. Rather than allowing the discussion surrounding his position to define his afternoon, he scored the decisive goal to secure Celtic’s victory.
Boyd acknowledged that it would be easy to interpret the Colombian’s demeanour as frustration, but argued that his contribution deserved greater consideration.
“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.
Boyd made it clear that questioning Duran’s body language should not distract from his performances or his understandable desire to play in his preferred position.
The Colombian has continued to provide Celtic with decisive moments, strengthening the argument that O’Neill should seriously consider giving him an extended run through the middle.
Boyd Doubles Down With Another Brutal Hogh Verdict
The most explosive part of Boyd’s assessment came when he returned to the question of why Duran should be moved out of position to accommodate Hogh.
“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 delivered another uncompromising verdict on the Danish forward.
“I’ll say it again, Kasper Hogh is offering absolutely nothing for me.”
Those words leave little doubt about Boyd’s view of Celtic’s current attacking hierarchy.
His criticism is not simply about Hogh’s recent performances. It is also a challenge to the thinking behind O’Neill’s selection decisions, with the pundit questioning whether the striker’s price tag is giving him an advantage over a teammate who has continued to deliver.
For Celtic supporters, that is likely to be the most divisive aspect of the debate. Some will see Boyd’s comments as a necessary demand for accountability, while others may consider his assessment excessively harsh.
Martin O’Neill Faces A Major Celtic Selection Decision
O’Neill now faces an important decision over how to use his attacking options in the coming fixtures.
Hogh still has an opportunity to answer his critics, but Duran’s latest match-winning contribution has strengthened the argument that he deserves a genuine chance to lead the line.
Boyd believes Celtic look considerably better when the Colombian operates through the middle and has questioned why the club’s transfer investment should influence that decision.
The manager must now weigh the need to get the best out of Hogh against Duran’s performances and growing case for a central role.
Celtic’s victory at Easter Road provided three valuable points, but Boyd’s explosive assessment has ensured that the conversation surrounding the team will continue.
And with the former Rangers striker repeating that Hogh is offering “absolutely nothing”, the pressure is firmly on Celtic’s £11million signing to respond on the pitch.
Nafisa
