Auston Trusty believes Kasper Høgh can make a major difference to Celtic in the Champions League – and not only because of his goals.
The Danish striker has already demonstrated his finishing ability with a hat-trick against Kilmarnock, but Trusty has highlighted another aspect of his game that could prove particularly important in Europe.
From his position in Celtic’s defence, Trusty has seen how Høgh’s ability to hold up the ball provides another option when Martin O’Neill’s side are building from the back.
He told the Daily Record: “Holding the ball up is pretty crucial to the way we play, building up from the back.
“We have an outlet pass and as a defender that gives you more options.
“He’ll be good in the Champions League.”
That could become particularly useful against LASK on Wednesday night, when Celtic are unlikely to be able to play through pressure as comfortably as they can in many domestic matches.
Høgh gives Trusty and the Celtic defence the option of going longer without necessarily surrendering possession.
And Trusty expects Celtic supporters to see Høgh thrive on the European stage.
Asked whether the striker could come alive in the competition, Trusty said: “Is Kasper going to come alive in the Champions League? Yeah, I think so. Last year you saw him make a name for himself there.
“He has come in and done really well.
“Off the pitch he’s a good character, so he’s seamlessly come into the group.
“He’s a good vibe and a good guy.
“Obviously on the pitch too he’s done really well, he scored three goals in the previous game and that was good for his confidence.
“Getting goals and the Celtic fans all hyping him up, it’s good especially for a forward because you kind of need that ego boost no matter what.”
Høgh scored eight Champions League goals for Bodø/Glimt last season before Celtic broke their transfer record to bring him to Glasgow.
His Kilmarnock hat-trick offered an early glimpse of the finishing ability Celtic paid for.
Now, against LASK, comes the first European test of his Celtic career – and Trusty believes Høgh can offer much more than goals.
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