Celtic beaten by Benfica as O'Neill faces attacking dilemma
Scottish club Celtic lost to Portugal's Benfica, conceding four goals. Manager Martin O'Neill said he sees Duran as better through the middle, while record signing Kasper Hogh continues to struggle for goals.
Scottish football club Celtic lost to Portugal's Benfica, conceding four goals. According to BBC Sport's analysis, the scoreline did not flatter Benfica: the Portuguese side created plenty of chances in both halves and also hit the woodwork twice on top of scoring four.
Defensive problems
Celtic's lack of depth at the back was exposed again, with the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers missing. Gianluca Prestianni and Duran caused the back four considerable problems.
Questions up front
Manager Martin O'Neill's biggest concern may lie in attack. Danish forward Kasper Hogh, the club's record signing, was substituted at half-time. Since joining from Norway's Bodo/Glimt in the summer, he has failed to score in 10 of his first 11 appearances.
Colombian Duran moved inside for the second half and looked far more dangerous. Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan said a creative midfielder would pick Duran over Hogh, because he moves off defenders and is more alert to balls into the box. In Allan's view, Hogh is not performing at his best.
O'Neill admitted he considers Duran better through the middle, although he has played wide for previous clubs. He said the task now is to fit Duran into the side and described a real battle for places. Given Hogh's price tag, O'Neill may not be quick to drop him.
