Auston Trusty believes Kasper Hogh is ready to make another major Champions League statement, backing the Celtic striker to bring the same spark to Europe that made him such a standout for Bodo/Glimt last season.
Hogh announced himself on the biggest club stage with five goals in the Champions League group phase, striking twice against Manchester City and adding further goals against Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon as the Norwegian side defied expectations by reaching the last 16.
Now settling quickly into life at Celtic after his £11million summer move to Glasgow, the 25-year-old Denmark forward is expected to spearhead the attack on Wednesday night when Brendan Rodgers’ side host Austrian double winners LASK in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying play-off.
‘Can he come alive in the Champions League? Yeah, I think he can,’ said the American centre-back.
‘Everyone saw last year how he really put himself on the map in that competition.
Kasper Hogh is set to lead Celtic’s attack in their Champions League qualifying play-off clash with LASK
‘Kasper has arrived and settled in brilliantly. Away from the pitch, he’s a strong personality and a really positive presence, so he’s fitted into the dressing room without any fuss. He brings good energy and he’s a top guy.
‘And on the pitch, he’s already shown what he can do. Scoring a hat-trick against Kilmarnock was a big moment for him and you could see how much that helped his confidence.’
‘Getting goals and the Celtic fans all hyping him up is good – especially for a forward because you kind of need that ego boost no matter what.’
Hogh has certainly brought a new dimension to Celtic’s attacking play with his ability to hold the ball up and use his physique and Trusty admits his presence has changed the overall approach for everyone in Martin O’Neill’s side.
‘Holding the ball up is pretty crucial to the way we play, building up from the back,’ he said.
‘We have an outlet pass and, as a defender, that gives you more options.
‘You have the eight, a winger, and a left-back, but having that nine option in the air or on the ground, who can hold it up and connect well, and connect well with the eights when they’re running is pretty crucial.
‘He’ll be good in the Champions League.’
Trusty believes, however, that possessing real scoring threats from throughout the team rather than just depending solely on Hogh can play a big part in shaping Celtic’s season.
In three games so far, the Parkhead side have scored ten goals with six different players getting on the scoresheet.
Hogh is hoping to replicate the form he showed in the Champions League with Bodo/Glimt
With Hogh, Camilo Duran and Haissem Hassan coming in to bolster the frontline and Benjamin Nygren starting the campaign on fire, Trusty, who scored against Dundee United on Saturday in the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup, feels this term’s version of Celtic is carrying so much danger.
‘It’s good. We are showing the camaraderie and mindset of the team. Goals can come from everywhere and everyone can step up,’ he stated.
‘Every goal and every win increases confidence. 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. Winning is everything – putting your heart out there, your body on the line at all costs.’
Trusty was a first-leg substitute in last season’s disastrous Champions League qualifying loss to Kairat Almaty and, although missing the return in Kazakhstan, admits going further this term is essential – and insists the players are happy to handle the sense of responsibility that comes with this showdown with LASK.
‘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,’ he said.
‘At Celtic you are always under that pressure, those expectations. 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. It’s good.
‘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.’
Celtic centre-half Auston Trusty believes their £11m Danish striker will light up the competition
Trusty’s goal against United at the weekend came from a well-worked corner and he has paid tribute to the work done by set-piece coach Ross Grant since he arrived from Hearts.
‘He’s made it clear for us how to score goals and get into positions to score goals,’ said Trusty.
‘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.
‘Scoring from set pieces would be another good addition.’
And Trusty is already looking forward to next month’s visit to Ibrox in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.
‘We are delighted to be in the next round,’ he smiled. ‘The mindset is to continue on and win more trophies.’
