Martin O'Neill has backed his club-record signing Kasper Hogh despite the striker's extended goal drought, with Camilo Duran emerging as Celtic's main attacking threat. Duran scored twice off the bench to secure a dramatic 3-2 Europa League victory over Besiktas at Parkhead on Thursday, reviving the side's European hopes after three consecutive group-stage defeats.

Celtic, who sit first in the Premiership with 28 points from 12 games, were trailing 1-0 before a quickfire double turned the match. Substitute Callum Osmand levelled just 43 seconds after his introduction in the 60th minute, before setting up Duran for the lead 18 minutes later. Besiktas equalised late on, but Duran struck again two minutes later to seal a vital win. The Colombian forward now has seven goals in 12 appearances this season, making him the team's top scorer.

Duran delivers decisive impact

Camilo Duran's match-winning contribution came from just two shots during his 30-minute cameo, a stark contrast to his quiet start to the campaign. Since joining from Bodø/Glimt, 16 of his 17 appearances for Celtic had ended without a goal. His clinical finishing against Besiktas, following Osmand's direct and impactful assist, has solidified his status as the primary option through the middle. O'Neill acknowledged the shift in dynamic ahead of Sunday's home league fixture against Kilmarnock.

"I don't know what side we will play on Sunday," O'Neill told reporters. "But this lad has scored goals in the Champions League remember." The manager confirmed Duran is expected to return to the starting lineup for the visit of 11th-placed Kilmarnock, a team Celtic beat 5-1 in August. James Forrest, who was substituted during the European win, was described as "outstanding" by O'Neill.

Hogh's unselfish role praised

While Duran took the headlines, the focus also fell on Kasper Hogh, the £11m signing who has now gone 15 matches without finding the net. O'Neill defended the Danish striker. "I think the other night will be good for him," O'Neill said. "I said to him that I'm not worried about whether he scores a goal."

The manager praised Hogh for holding up the ball and bringing teammates into play, describing it as an unselfish performance. Hogh remains in contention to feature against Kilmarnock, a side he has not scored against in Scotland, with his last hat-trick coming against Ayrshire opposition in August. The team's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five matches across all competitions, a sequence you can review on our fixtures page.

With a four-point lead at the summit of the Premiership, Celtic now turn their attention to maintaining domestic dominance. The victory over Besiktas, achieved during a punishing run of nine games in 25 days, provides a timely boost. The team prepares for Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on Sunday, with Camilo Duran set to lead the line.

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Midfielder Mika Baur said the team's belief never wavered despite recent struggles. "The belief and the way we work together as a team has always been good," Baur said on November 8. The German midfielder praised the impact of substitutes Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand in the 3-2 win over Besiktas. Celtic, who are 1st in the Premiership and 1 point clear of Rangers, host Kilmarnock next.

On November 8, Turkish broadcaster Onur Yildiz criticised Celtic's 3-2 win over Besiktas. Yildiz claimed Celtic would not finish in the top ten of the Turkish Super Lig. "If Celtic played in our league... And finished in the top ten, I’ll change my name," Yildiz said. He added that Besiktas had lost to a "bad team." Yildiz also singled out Besiktas winger Vaclav Cerny, who was booed by Celtic fans due to a past incident from his time with Rangers. Celtic, who are 1st in the Premiership with 28 points, host Kilmarnock next.

On November 8, Kilmarnock confirmed their supporters will be housed in Sections 119 and 120 at Celtic Park for Sunday's match. The visitors' club stated entry will be via Turnstiles T62 to T65. Celtic, who are 1st in the Premiership with 28 points, host Kilmarnock next. The league leaders have scored 27 goals this season while conceding 10.

On November 8, manager Martin O'Neill made three changes to his starting side for the match against Kilmarnock. O'Neill brought in Colby Donovan, Camilo Duran and Jota from the team that beat Besiktas. The league leaders, who are 1st in the Premiership with 28 points, won the game 1-0. Liam Scales scored the only goal in the 26th minute, assisted by Camilo Duran.