Celtic defender Auston Trusty believes new striker Kasper Hogh can take the Champions League by storm ahead of Wednesday night's play-off against LASK.
The 25-year-old Danish forward arrived at Parkhead in an £11 million summer transfer from Bodo/Glimt and is poised to lead the line in the qualifying play-off round first leg at home to the Austrian double winners.
Hogh starred in Europe's top tournament last season, scoring five group stage goals for Bodo/Glimt as the Norwegian outfit confounded the odds to reach the last 16. His tally included two goals against Manchester City, along with one each against Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon.
American centre-back Trusty feels his new team-mate is ready to replicate those European heroics in Glasgow after making a positive start to his Celtic career.
"Is he going to come alive in the Champions League? Yeah, I think so," Trusty said. "Last year, you saw him make a name for himself there. Kasper 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."
Hogh built momentum by scoring a hat-trick against Kilmarnock, a performance Trusty believes provided a crucial confidence boost for the forward.
"Obviously, on the pitch too, he's done really well," Trusty added. "Against Kilmarnock, he scored three goals and that was good for 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."
Target man offering new tactical dimension
The Danish striker has brought a new dimension to Celtic's attacking play with his ability to hold the ball up and use his physique. That presence has altered the overall approach for manager Martin O'Neill's side, providing defender options when building up from the back.
"Holding the ball up is pretty crucial to the way we play, building up from the back," Trusty explained. "We have an outlet pass and, as a defender, that gives you more options."
Trusty highlighted how Hogh's presence creates passing avenues across the pitch. "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 said. "He'll be good in the Champions League."
Celtic enter the European tie possessing real scoring threats throughout their squad rather than depending solely on Hogh. The Parkhead side have scored 10 goals in three games so far this season, with six different players getting on the scoresheet.
The frontline has been bolstered by summer arrivals Camilo Duran, the Colombian livewire, and French winger Haissem Hassan, alongside Swedish midfielder Benjamin Nygren, who has started the campaign on fire.
Trusty himself scored against Dundee United on Saturday in the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup, Scotland's league cup competition.
"It's good. We are showing the camaraderie and mindset of the team," Trusty stated. "Goals can come from everywhere and everyone can step up. Every goal and every win increases confidence. Playing for Celtic, being here at this club and organisation, you have to have that mindset."
He added: "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."
Overcoming past European disappointment
Reaching the Champions League group stage carries extra responsibility for Celtic after last season's disastrous qualifying loss to Kazakhstani side Kairat Almaty. Trusty was a first-leg substitute in that tie before missing the return leg in Kazakhstan.
The defender insists the players are eager to handle the pressure that comes with playing for the Scottish champions ahead of the 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," Trusty said. "At Celtic you are always under that pressure, those expectations. Being a Celtic player, you understand the outside but you also want that."
He added: "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."
Set-piece routine yielding results
Trusty's goal against Dundee United at the weekend came from a well-worked corner, paying tribute to the work done by set-piece coach Ross Grant since arriving at Parkhead from Hearts.
Grant conducts video analysis and pitch sessions prior to matches to optimize Celtic's aerial positions and scoring chances.
"He's made it clear for us how to score goals and get into positions to score goals," Trusty said. "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."
Domestic cup progress and derby clash ahead
Following their European play-off tie, Celtic can also look forward to next month's visit to Ibrox in the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup against derby rivals Rangers.
"We are delighted to be in the next round," Trusty smiled. "The mindset is to continue on and win more trophies."
