Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of two key players, suggesting that both are nearing a return to action as the club navigates a demanding run of fixtures.
Striker Hogh, who joined from Bodo/Glimt in the summer, has been sidelined but has already made an impression during his short time at the club, netting three goals in five appearances. His absence opened the door for fellow summer signing Camilo Duran to step into the central striking role, a switch that has paid dividends. The Colombian forward has been in fine form, scoring six goals in eight matches this season.
With Hogh's return on the horizon, questions have naturally arisen about how O'Neill will accommodate both players, potentially shifting Duran back to a wide attacking position. The Celtic manager was pragmatic when addressing the situation, stating simply that his priority is fielding the strongest possible lineup. "It's a matter of trying to get your best players on the field," O'Neill explained, leaving the door open for tactical flexibility depending on form and fitness.
While two attacking options look set to bolster O'Neill's squad, the manager will have to do without winger Yang Hyun-jun for the upcoming clash against St Johnstone. The South Korean international has been called up for Asian Games duty, a commitment that will keep him away from Celtic for four matches. This stretch includes not just the St Johnstone fixture but also a Europa League opener against Ferencvaros and both legs of the Old Firm derby against Rangers.
O'Neill did not hide his concern over losing Yang for such a pivotal period. "He's playing exceptionally well for what he does with the ball," the 74-year-old manager said. "It's terrific, he's scored a couple of very important goals for us. And what he's doing without the ball, I don't think anybody could question his work rate for us at the football club. He's been great but he's been great since I've come in here."
Despite the disruption, O'Neill remained focused on the immediate task at hand rather than looking ahead to Sunday's derby showdown with Rangers at Ibrox, scheduled for a 12:00 BST kickoff. The veteran boss made clear that the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against St Johnstone takes precedence, given its direct bearing on Celtic's title defense.
"I genuinely can't [have one eye on it] and that's honestly where I think, first of all, we have to play our game," O'Neill said. "We have to try and defend a title. We have to try and win a football match. And to me, this game is far more important than Sunday's match."
The comments underline O'Neill's insistence on a match-by-match approach, even as Celtic face a congested calendar featuring domestic cup action, Europa League commitments, and the always high-stakes Old Firm derby. With Hogh and Tierney potentially available soon, and Duran continuing to impress, O'Neill appears to have growing options at his disposal—even as he manages the temporary loss of Yang during one of the season's busiest stretches.
Celtic's immediate focus remains on Wednesday's cup tie, with the Rangers derby and European opener against Ferencvaros looming large on the horizon.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.