Gary Hooper has encouraged Kasper Hogh to trust his abilities and remain patient as the Danish striker seeks to end a seven-game goal drought for Celtic. The former Parkhead star believes a single goal could be the catalyst to reignite the club's record signing.

Hooper spoke publicly this week, offering direct advice to the forward who has not scored since a hat-trick in his second appearance. "His next goal is the most important one," Gary Hooper said. "I’m sure once he gets the next one he can go on a run."

Hogh scored three times in a 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock shortly after his summer arrival from Bodo/Glimt. He has not found the net in the seven matches since, a run that includes defeats to Rangers, LASK and Ferencvarosi TC. Those losses are part of a broader patch where Celtic have lost three of their last five matches, including a 1-0 home defeat to Rangers on September 20, despite still leading the Premiership with 18 points from seven games. The team's recent form shows two wins from the last five, and they will aim to improve on that when they travel to face Motherwell, who sit ninth, on October 11.

Hogh's early promise and recent struggle

Kasper Hogh's early impact raised expectations, but adapting to a new league has proven challenging. The £11million signing is a proven goalscorer at a high level, netting regularly in Europe before his move. Hooper pointed to the natural adjustment period. "Kasper has come in, and he doesn’t know the league or the players, and it takes time to get used to it," he explained. Scoring a hat-trick early meant people expected immediate consistency, but Hooper stressed the need to stay true to his game.

Hooper's own Celtic journey as reference

Gary Hooper understands the pressure, having joined Celtic from Scunthorpe United in a £2.4m deal in 2010. He scored on his debut in a European tie against Braga and netted 11 goals in his first 11 games, quickly becoming a key player. He recalled picking up a minor injury soon after arriving but returning quickly to score and settle. Scoring in his first Old Firm derby, though in a losing cause, helped cement his place. Hooper's message to Hogh is rooted in that experience: play your game and the chances will come at a club that creates so many.

The context at Parkhead remains one of transition under manager Martin O'Neill, with the team aiming to consolidate its two-point lead at the summit. Fans can check the upcoming fixtures for the full schedule. Celtic's attack, which has scored 14 league goals this season, will look to players like top scorer C. Durán and a rediscovered Hogh to maintain their position.

Gary Hooper participated in a club legends event at the weekend, keeping his connection to Celtic strong. His public backing for Kasper Hogh arrives at a key moment, with the team preparing for a key away fixture at Fir Park.

Read the full report at Daily Record Football