Celtic captain Callum McGregor insists the squad will rally around misfiring record signing Kasper Hogh, who has gone 13 games without a goal for the Hoops.
The £11m signing was substituted at half-time during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Celtic Park. McGregor is convinced the Denmark international will come good with support from his teammates.
Captain backs striker to end drought
McGregor said: "All strikers go through good spells and they go through bad spells. Sometimes you just need a goal to hit off them and then the floodgates open. He's come in with a big price tag, there's obviously a lot of expectation, but it's our job to protect him as well, and make the game as easy as it can be for him so that he can get his goals."
He added: "We're all in it together, we're working hard with him and we back him to get goals. We don't get that much training time now with the games, but he is working hard. Obviously he can score goals, he's scored goals at a really high level as well, so we have to respect that."
Supply line and returning talent
McGregor admitted Hogh will need service, and highlighted the return of Jota as a major boost, along with the progress of Haissem Hassan. The Dane has spent only half an hour on the pitch with Jota so far, and has had Hassan for company in 140 minutes across all matches this season.
On Jota's return from almost 18 months injured, McGregor said: "It's brilliant to see. Obviously, Jota is a top player, has been for us over a couple of spells, and it's great to see him back. He's a real talent, and certainly someone who makes us better when we're on the pitch as well."
He continued: "You can give him the ball, and he can do such special things with it. Touch wood, we can keep him fit. He's enjoying being back, and we're enjoying having him back. He's one of these guys that, you know, loves playing football, loves being on the ball, loves making things happen. When you've got a player like him, you try and serve him the ball as much as you can and he can be the sort of difference-maker for you in tight games."
Hassan's progress
Hassan has yet to score, but has managed two assists this term in Scotland and Europe. McGregor has been encouraged by the Egyptian wide man's development.
He said: "Yeah, absolutely. It's trying to get these guys the ball in the most effective areas, and then letting them show their talent. The second half was obviously evident to see for everyone and if you keep getting them in there, 10, 15, 20 times a game, then they will create and score goals. Our job is to try and get them to that point and make them the most efficient they can be."
