Hogh hits hat‑trick as Celtic cruise past Kilmarnock

Kasper Hogh struck his first goals for Celtic with a superb hat‑trick as the Scottish champions eased to a 5–1 win at Kilmarnock. The victory, their second straight to open the Premiership season, lifted Celtic above St Mirren on goal difference. Manager Martin O’Neill was absent after undergoing a minor hospital procedure, but his team started fast: Hogh headed in after less than a minute from an Arne Engels cross. The Danish striker doubled the lead on 33 minutes after Camilo Duran forced a turnover, then completed his treble two minutes later by nodding into an empty net from Duran’s delivery.

Celtic added a fourth early in the second half when goalkeeper Max Stryjek gifted possession to Benjamin Nygren, who finished easily. Kilmarnock pulled one back through Michael Schjonning‑Larsen, but substitute Luke McCowan restored the four‑goal margin with a close‑range volley. Hogh said he was “so happy” with the team’s performance, while assistant Shaun Maloney praised his composure.