Kasper Hogh is back in the Celtic starting lineup for Sunday's Premiership trip to face Hibernian at Easter Road. The change is the only one made by manager Martin O'Neill from the side that lost in the Europa League.
Hogh replaces Haissem Hassan in the attack. The full starting eleven is Johnstone, Donovan, Murray, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Baur, Nygren, Duran, Høgh, and Osmand. Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers are among the substitutes.
O'Neill on Hogh's return
Martin O'Neill addressed the selection in a Celtic TV interview. "Celtic are in league action today (Sunday) when they take on Hibernian at Easter Road (KO: 12noon)," O'Neill said. The manager noted Hogh is still new to the club but showed signs of returning to form in training. O'Neill added he believes the forward will score goals between now and the end of the season.
Hogh scored a hat-trick against Kilmarnock early in his Celtic career but has found goals harder to come by since. His return comes as the league leaders seek to stay top. Celtic sit first in the Premiership with 24 points from nine games, holding a one-point advantage over Rangers. Their recent form shows three wins and two losses from the last five matches across all competitions.
The team is looking to respond after a midweek European defeat to Celta Vigo. They have won their two league games since the international break, including a 7-1 thrashing of Hearts. Top scorer B. Nygren, who has six goals this season, starts alongside Camilo Duran, who has nine goals from 16 appearances.
Celtic's next fixture is a home match against fourth-placed Dundee United on Wednesday, October 28.
Match details
Kick-off at Easter Road is at 12 noon. The match is live on Sky Sports Football. The referee for the fixture is Kevin McAllister. Celtic's last visit to Easter Road ended in a 2-2 draw last season. Hibernian currently sit seventh in the Premiership table with 10 points from their opening nine matches.
Team news and context
Midfielder Matt O'Riley is serving a one-match suspension for accumulated bookings. Winger Liel Abada remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in training. Celtic have scored in every one of their nine league matches so far this season, averaging 2.7 goals per game. Hibernian have kept only one clean sheet in the league this campaign.
Read the full report at celticfc.com
