Celtic defender Auston Trusty has backed new striker Kasper Hogh to make his mark in the Champions League play-off against LASK, insisting the Dane's confidence and character will be key as the Hoops look to avoid a repeat of last year's qualifying misery.
Twelve months ago, Celtic failed to score across both legs against Kairat before a calamitous shootout defeat to the Kazakhs ended their Champions League hopes. This time, Trusty believes the dynamic has changed with Hogh in the side.
Hogh's Instant Impact
The big Dane has made an immediate impression at Parkhead, scoring a hat-trick in his second appearance against Dundee. Although he did not find the net in the 4-0 Premier Sports Cup win at Dundee United at the weekend, his movement and link-up play created space for others to score.
Trusty, who has been quickly won over by the former Bodo/Glimt European hero, 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 added: "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."
More Than Just a Striker
Trusty highlighted Hogh's hold-up play as crucial to Celtic's build-up, giving defenders an outlet pass. He said: "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."
However, Trusty is aware Celtic will need more than their new star striker. Martin O'Neill will rely on his trusted campaigners, but new recruits must also play their part. Camilo Duran has started well like Hogh, while midfielder Mika Baur impressed in a 30-minute cameo and could be pitched straight in, especially with Arne Engels away and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suspended. Wide man Haissem Hassan needs games to build fitness but could provide a spark from the bench.
Trusty is convinced Celtic are in decent shape to face the Austrian double winners. He said: "I think we're equipped well, we have a good squad and the guys who have come in are good players. They are helping the team. They have come in today, did a good job, got the cobwebs off and the debut out of the way. So in the next games they can feel free to express themselves."
Pressure and Mindset
Trusty knows the pressure is on this week, but he insisted it is nothing new at Parkhead. He said: "It's the mindset, regardless, playing for Celtic, being here at this club and organisation you have to have that mindset. It's kind of hard to put it into words, I guess it's just winning at all costs and continue on."
He added: "I think the Celtic mindset is that winning is everything - putting your heart out, your body on the line at all costs. Day in, day out trying to improve yourself and improve the team. I think those things represent the Celtic way and the Celtic mindset. It all comes down to winning."
Reflecting on last season's disappointment, Trusty said: "It was disappointing to not get to the Champions League last year but to win the league and put ourselves in position to try to get there this time, that's what you want. At Celtic you are always under that pressure, that expectations. You want to play your best football at all times, and being a Celtic player you understand the outside but you also want that. You are thankful you have that environment because a lot of players maybe don't play in those atmospheres or where that's the standard. So it's good."
Set-Piece Improvement
Trusty was thrilled with the win over Dundee United, which set up a Premier Sports Cup last 16 clash with Rangers, but Europe is the sole focus for now. He said: "We are delighted to be in the next round, the mindset is to continue on and win more trophies. It's good, we are showing the camaraderie and mindset of the team. Goals can come from everywhere and everyone can step up. Every goal and every win increases confidence, so hopefully we can get through and play in the Champions League. It's a great competition so that's what we want."
Trusty's opening goal at Tannadice came from a corner, and he credits new set-piece coach Ross Grant for the improvement. He said: "Ross has come in and done a great job, he's made it clear for us about how to score goals and get into positions to score goals. It's been at a certain point in the week or the day before a game. Whether it's video or putting it out on the pitch and getting little bits out – he's done well since he came in. If you can get a good ball in then you need to get those spots. Scoring from set pieces would be another good addition to the team."
