Celtic Striker Hogh Set to Blast LASK Away
Celtic striker Kasper Hogh is backed to blast LASK away in the Champions League play-off as the Hoops gear up for their crunch double header with the Austrian champs. The big Dane has made an instant impact at Parkhead with a hat trick in his second run out against Dundee.
What happened?
Celtic defender Auston Trusty insists Celts won’t be so coy this time around, with Hogh’s confidence-boosting performances expected to play a key role in the Champions League play-off. Hogh didn’t find the net in the 4-0 Premier Sports Cup win at Dundee United at the weekend but his movements and link-up play dragged defenders all over the place to allow others to plunder.
Why it matters for Celtic
Trusty has been quickly won over by the former Bodo/Glimt European hero and already knows there’s nothing shy about him. Hogh’s cutting edge will be crucial for Celtic as they look to see off LASK in their Champions League play-off and hopefully beyond.
What comes next?
Trusty is aware Celtic will need more than their new star striker though. Martin O’Neill will be relying on his trusted campaigners but the new recruits will also be needed to play their part. Camilo Duran has got off to a flier like Hogh while midfielder Mika Baur showed enough in his 30-minute cameo on Tayside to suggest he could be pitched straight in to the side - which could be handy with Arne Engels away and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suspended.
Celtic's recent form
Celtic are currently 3 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian in the title race, but they have been in decent shape of late, with a recent 5-game winning run (WWWWW). They have scored 59 goals this season, conceding 35, and have a +24 goal difference. Their last result was a 3-1 win over Heart Of Midlothian on May 16th, 2026.
Celtic's squad
Trusty is convinced Celts are in decent shape to face the Austrian double winners. He said: “I think we’re equipped well, we have a good squad and the guys who have come in are good players. They are helping the team. They have come in today, did a good job, got the cobwebs off and the debut out of the way. So in the next games they can feel free to express themselves.”
Celtic's mindset
Trusty knows the pressure is on this week - but he insisted it’s nothing new at Parkhead. He said: “It’s the mindset, regardless, playing for Celtic, being here at this club and organisation you have to have that mindset. It’s kind of hard to put it into words, I guess it’s just winning at all costs and continue on. I think the Celtic mindset is that winning is everything - putting your heart out, your body on the line at all costs. Day in, day out trying to improve yourself and the team.”
