Kasper Hogh's struggles at Celtic have not surprised his former club Bodo/Glimt, according to an insider, as the Hoops reportedly revive their interest in Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth.
Hogh's Goal Drought Continues
The £11m recruit has failed to find the net since his hat-trick against Kilmarnock in August, and after 10 games without a goal, he was dropped by Martin O'Neill for the 7-1 rout of Hearts last weekend. Camilo Duran led the line, with Callum Osmand and Haissem Hassan on the wings, leaving Celtic's record signing facing a fight to regain his place for Thursday's Europa League clash with Celta Vigo.
Bodo/Glimt insider Steffen Stenersen told Bold that Hogh's slow start mirrors his early days in Norway, saying: "Most key players who have left [Bodo/Glimt] have not worked. Hogh is the obvious example now. It immediately has something to do with the fact that they play in a system that they know very well, which they have played in for many years, and which has been set up around them as key players."
Insider's Perspective on Adaptation
Stenersen added: "There's no reason to believe that these players wouldn't be able to function in foreign football. But there's something strange about it. There absolutely is. He was an important piece in Bodo/Glimt, and he remained so in the end. But he also struggled quite a bit in the beginning. So it's not unnatural that it takes him a while at Celtic."
"He may be the type who needs time to adapt to new environments. I'm not surprised that he hasn't taken off right away. It hasn't been a straight line for Hogh in Bodo/Glimt," Stenersen continued, noting that other clubs might be wary of signing Glimt players who have struggled abroad, but added: "when they perform like that, it's too simple to say that it doesn't work with the Glimt players."
Renewed Interest in Balazs Toth
Celtic are reportedly set to revive their interest in Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth in the winter window. The Hungary international is in the final year of his contract at Ewood Park and had been flagged to Celtic by Hoops goalie coach Stevie Woods.
Rovers demanded £4m for their No.1, a figure that scared off Celtic in the summer, who instead signed Sam Johnstone on loan from Wolves. However, Hungarian outlet Blikk state that Toth is "back on Celtic's agenda" and the club could look to "buyout his contract" in January. Blackburn still hope to extend his contract, but Toth has "resisted" approaches as he eyes an exit.
Loanee Johnstone has failed to challenge Viljami Sinisalo for the No. 1 spot since arriving, making two appearances and being dropped after a lacklustre showing against Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.
