Callum McGregor has rallied behind Kasper Høgh as the Celtic striker’s goal drought continues, insisting the players must take responsibility for helping their £11million summer signing rediscover his scoring touch.

However, the Celtic captain believes the Danish forward deserves support rather than being left to shoulder the criticism alone.

See the Celtic fixtures for 2026/27 for what comes next.

Speaking to the Daily Record, McGregor said: “All strikers go through good spells and they go through bad spells.”

He also made clear that Celtic’s players have a responsibility to help their teammate, saying: “it’s our job to protect him as well”.

McGregor’s backing comes amid growing questions about how Martin O’Neill is using his attacking options.

Against Dundee United, Høgh started through the middle, with Camilo Durán and Callum Osmand occupying the wide positions.

Both are naturally centre-forwards, and Celtic struggled to provide consistent service from the flanks during the opening 45 minutes.

O’Neill changed his approach at half-time, introducing Jota and Haissem Hassan to provide natural width.

Yet Høgh was withdrawn at the same time.

Celtic subsequently looked more dangerous, with Jota delivering the cross for Liam Scales’ equaliser.

It raised an obvious question about whether Høgh might have benefited from playing alongside the two wingers.

The striker has shared just 30 minutes on the pitch with Jota this season and 140 minutes with Hassan.

Those figures provide important context when assessing his lack of goals.

While the Dane has missed opportunities, he has also had limited time alongside the players who could potentially offer him the service he needs.

There are understandable complications for the Celtic manager.

Jota is still working his way back following a lengthy injury absence, while Durán’s outstanding scoring record makes him difficult to leave out.

Moving Durán wide allows both strikers to start, but it can also leave Celtic without the natural width that became so important against Dundee United.

McGregor’s comments suggest the players recognise they must create better conditions for Høgh to succeed.

The Celtic captain has expressed confidence in the striker’s ability, pointing to his previous goalscoring achievements and the work he continues to put in.

With Falkirk away on Sunday, O’Neill must decide whether to persist with the same attacking arrangement or give Høgh an opportunity alongside more natural wide players.

For a striker struggling for confidence, McGregor’s public support will be welcome. The next challenge is ensuring Celtic’s system gives him the opportunities to turn that backing into goals.

Opening the team picker…