Kris Boyd has advised Celtic's record signing Kasper Hogh to play without fear as the striker seeks to find his form. The former Rangers and Scotland forward said Hogh should "not be afraid to miss" to overcome a slow start to the season. Boyd stressed that strikers must be willing to take risks and accept that missed chances are part of the game.
Boyd's comments come with Celtic sitting top of the Premiership on 21 points from eight games. The team's next challenge is a Europa League trip to face Benfica in Lisbon on Thursday, where the Portuguese side's coach Marco Silva has hinted at significant squad rotations. Silva stated he is considering changes to his lineup, acknowledging the demands of a busy fixture schedule.
Boyd's advice to the young striker
Kasper Hogh is Celtic's most expensive signing but has experienced a lack of confidence in his early months. Kris Boyd, now a pundit, offered direct advice to the young forward. "Kasper Hogh should 'not be afraid to miss'," Boyd said. The former striker believes overcoming hesitancy is key for any attacker finding their feet. Boyd elaborated that when a forward stops worrying about failure, their natural instincts take over, leading to clearer decision-making and, more goals. He pointed to his own career, noting that the best goal scorers are often those who miss the most because they are constantly in positions to shoot.
European context and squad rotation hints
The advice arrives ahead of a key European fixture. Benfica boss Marco Silva indicated he may make several changes for the match against Celtic. The game in Lisbon is a significant test for Brendan Rodgers's side, who lead the Scottish Premiership by two points. Celtic manager Rodgers acknowledged the quality of the opposition but emphasized his team's readiness for the challenge in Portugal. He also commented on Hogh's development, stating the club has full belief in his talent and that goals will come as he adapts to the pressures of playing for a club of Celtic's stature.
Wider commentary from former players
Media commentary also featured former Ibrox midfielder Charlie Adam, who urged Rangers to use their squad fully. "You're not going to win league titles with 15 or 16 players," Adam said. His remarks and Boyd's were part of a broader discussion on squad management in Scottish football. Adam argued that to sustain a challenge across multiple competitions, managers must trust their entire roster and rotate players to maintain freshness and avoid injuries throughout the long season.
Celtic's immediate focus returns to domestic action after the European trip. They host third-placed Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on Sunday, 18 October. The team's recent form shows two wins and three defeats from their last five matches. Check the latest standings to see how the title race is shaping up. Hogh will be hoping to contribute as the champions look to maintain their lead at the summit. Rodgers confirmed that Hogh remains a central part of his plans and is likely to feature in both the upcoming European and domestic fixtures as he builds match sharpness.
Read the full report at BBC Sport Football
