My Celtic Starting XI If Kasper Høgh Completes His Signing

My Celtic starting XI if Kasper Høgh completes his signing has plenty of attacking promise, although several difficult decisions remain before the league opener against Dundee.

The new striker has not officially signed yet. However, with the transfer fee agreed and Høgh reportedly in Glasgow for his medical, it makes sense to consider how Martin O’Neill could use him immediately.

The Celtic Back Four Almost Picks Itself

Viljami Sinisalo keeps his place in goal after the 2-2 draw with AC Milan.

Alistair Johnston starts at right-back, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty in central defence. Liam Scales is suspended, which removes one of the main selection decisions at the back.

Kieran Tierney completes the defence on the left. On paper, that back four picks itself.

However, Tierney remains a concern because Celtic have failed to sign a dependable alternative. Can he be expected to last the full 90 minutes every week? More importantly, what happens if he suffers another problem?

Celtic should not be entering the season with no established cover at left-back. Tierney is an outstanding player, but relying entirely on his fitness is an unnecessary gamble.

The Midfield Was My Hardest Decision

The midfield was the most difficult part of this team to select.

Callum McGregor starts at the base because Celtic still need his leadership, positioning and control. Arne Engels joins him to provide energy and physical strength.

Reo Hatate gets the final midfield position, although it was a close decision between him and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Ox has quality and experience. However, he did not look fully fit against AC Milan. That should not be surprising, given how much football he has missed, but Celtic may need to manage him carefully.

Hatate therefore gets the nod. His creativity could also be vital against a Dundee side likely to defend in numbers.

There is uncertainty surrounding the midfield because all three players could potentially leave. That makes further recruitment essential, regardless of who starts the opening match.

Høgh Leads an Exciting Celtic Front Three

If Høgh completes his transfer, he starts through the middle.

Celtic have been crying out for a powerful focal point. Høgh can occupy defenders, compete in the air and give the team a direct option inside the penalty area.

Camilo Durán has to play after his excellent pre-season form. To accommodate both players, Durán starts from the left wing.

He has the pace and movement to drift inside, support Høgh and attack shooting positions. His role would also allow Tierney to overlap and provide width.

Yang Hyun-jun starts on the right. He can stay wide, run directly at his opponent and deliver crosses towards Høgh.

My Celtic Starting XI

Sinisalo; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney; McGregor, Engels, Hatate; Yang, Høgh, Durán.

It is an attacking side with genuine potential. However, the lack of defensive depth remains impossible to ignore. Celtic need Høgh over the line, but they also need more reinforcements before the season begins.