Scott Allan’s Brutal Celtic Verdict Leaves Martin O’Neill With a Question He Cannot Dodge

Scott Allan‘s Brutal Celtic Verdict Leaves Martin O’Neill With a Question He Cannot Dodge

Scott Allan has raised a question about Celtic’s attacking selections that Martin O’Neill can no longer afford to avoid.

Following Thursday’s humiliating 4-1 defeat against Benfica, the former Celtic midfielder questioned Kasper Høgh’s continued inclusion and made a compelling case for Camilo Durán to lead the attack.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Allan declared: “I’m taking Duran every day of the week.”

It is difficult to disagree.

Celtic’s Expensive Problem

Høgh arrived at Celtic carrying the expectations that accompany an £11.5 million record signing.

But transfer fees do not score goals. Performances do.

The Danish striker has failed to score since his August hat-trick against Kilmarnock, and his first-half display in Lisbon offered precious little evidence that his fortunes are improving.

He missed a significant opportunity before being withdrawn at half-time.

Nobody should pretend that one disappointing European performance defines a player’s career. Nevertheless, when the same problems persist, the manager must respond.

Scott Allan Identifies the Difference

Allan’s argument goes beyond goalscoring statistics.

He believes Durán provides greater movement, makes more intelligent runs behind defenders and offers teammates a more reliable attacking outlet.

That distinction matters enormously.

Celtic looked considerably more threatening after O’Neill introduced Haissem Hassan and Callum Osmand, allowing Durán to operate centrally.

The Colombian scored Celtic’s only goal, while the team’s attacking play acquired an urgency conspicuously absent before the interval.

So why did it take a three-goal deficit to make the change?

O’Neill Must Make the Difficult Decision

There is an uncomfortable possibility that Celtic are trying too hard to accommodate their most expensive acquisition.

I am not suggesting O’Neill selects players solely because of their price tags. But that investment must never influence decisions more than current form.

Allan also suggested that O’Neill’s post-match comments indicated his patience with Høgh might be wearing thin.

If that interpretation is correct, the manager must act accordingly.

A spell outside the starting eleven would not represent the abandonment of Høgh. It might actually benefit him.

Celtic Cannot Keep Waiting

Sunday’s encounter with Hearts offers O’Neill an immediate opportunity to demonstrate that selection is governed by performance rather than reputation.

Durán deserves the chance to lead the line.

Høgh deserves support, but not an automatic starting position.

Celtic have already paid a substantial financial price for their striker.

They cannot continue paying a sporting price simply to justify the investment.

Scott Allan has identified the problem.

Now Martin O’Neill must provide the answer.