Chris Sutton, a former record signing himself, has urged patience with Celtic striker Kasper Hogh, who has scored in just one of his last 17 appearances for club and country. The £11m Dane is the club's most expensive signing and is already facing criticism, but Sutton believes he needs time to adapt.
Pressure of a record fee
Sutton drew parallels with his own experience after Blackburn Rovers broke the British transfer record to sign him for £5m following a 28-goal season at Norwich City. He said the question of whether he was worth the money hung over every performance at Ewood Park.
Hogh is now finding out what that feels like at Celtic, with his only recent goals being a hat-trick at Rugby Park. Sutton acknowledged the questions being asked but said the former Bodo/Glimt striker is adapting to a new system and there is more to playing as a lone striker than scoring.
Signs of improvement
Sutton noted Hogh's all-round contribution was better against Motherwell, with signs he is beginning to understand what manager Martin O'Neill wants from him. However, he admitted strikers at Celtic are ultimately judged on goals.
He observed Hogh overthinking a chance just before half-time on Sunday, taking too long to shoot. But he also praised his unselfishness in setting up Benjamin Nygren for Celtic's second goal, saying a confident striker might have backed himself to score.
Ability is there
Sutton recalled Hogh terrorising Champions League defences at Bodo/Glimt, including a brace against Manchester City, one a header at the back post and the other showing composure. He said the ability is clearly there and Hogh just needs to rediscover his belief.
He also said Celtic have a responsibility to get the best out of him, with players around him needing to make better decisions when he is in the box. Sutton would stick with Hogh against Benfica, as a run of games can help build understanding and consistency.
Lisbon test ahead
Sutton noted Celtic face a daunting test in Lisbon on Thursday, with Benfica having lost just one of their last 10 games. He said it was a shame Jota will not face his former club, having not been registered in the Europa League squad.
He said Celtic should be capable of competing in the Europa League despite the Champions League exit, and another defeat could leave them with an uphill battle to qualify. He added that Celtic must prove their dominant win over Motherwell was a sign of things to come.
Sutton said he is not overly optimistic about Thursday but believes the Europa League campaign will define the mood for the rest of the season. He concluded that one goal can change everything for a striker, and Lisbon would be a good place to start.
