Record signing out: Chris Sutton forecasts a surprise Celtic move for Ibrox.

Chris Sutton believes Martin O’Neill could make a major selection surprise when Celtic travel to Ibrox tomorrow, with the former striker predicting that the Hoops manager could leave the club’s record signing Kasper Høgh out of his starting line-up.

Celtic’s first Old Firm derby of the season is expected to attract huge attention, with both sides desperate to secure bragging rights and progress in the Scottish League Cup. While O’Neill has plenty of attacking options to consider, Sutton believes the form of Camilo Duran could force the Celtic manager into one of his toughest decisions yet.

Høgh facing a surprise place on the bench

Høgh arrived at Parkhead for a significant fee and immediately inherited considerable expectations. As Celtic’s record signing, the Danish forward was expected to become an important source of goals and lead the line for O’Neill’s side.

Although the striker has shown several positive qualities since making the move to Glasgow, finding the net consistently has proved more difficult.

His only goals for Celtic so far came in spectacular fashion, with Høgh scoring a hat-trick against Kilmarnock. Beyond those goals, however, his contribution has been based heavily on his work for the team.

The Danish striker has worked extremely hard without the ball, while his movement has helped create opportunities and space for his teammates. His ability to hold possession and bring other attackers into the game has also provided Celtic with a different dimension in the final third.

Those qualities could still make him a valuable option against Rangers. However, Sutton believes O’Neill may decide that the current circumstances demand a different attacking solution.

Duran’s stunning Celtic form

The major reason for Sutton’s prediction is the remarkable form of Camilo Duran.

The Colombian has quickly established himself as one of Celtic’s most exciting attacking players since arriving at Parkhead. His early numbers underline just how influential he has been, with Duran registering six goals and three assists across his first nine appearances for the club.

9th September 2026; McDiarmid Park, Perth, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, St Johnstone versus Celtic; Camilo Duran of Celtic

His pace, technical ability and willingness to take on defenders have made him a constant threat. Sutton believes Celtic have a type of player in Duran who can produce moments of quality that supporters do not always see at Parkhead.

The former Celtic striker is particularly impressed by the Colombian’s ability to create something unexpected, describing him as the kind of player who keeps supporters on the edge of their seats.

That unpredictability could be especially valuable against Rangers, and Sutton believes O’Neill could therefore consider using Duran through the centre of the attack.

Sutton wants Duran through the middle

According to Sutton, the best way to maximise Duran’s current form is to play him in a central attacking position.

That could lead to the difficult decision to leave Høgh on the substitutes’ bench despite his status as Celtic’s record signing.

Sutton said: “I can see O’Neill leaving Celtic’s record signing Kasper Hogh on the bench with Camilo Duran getting the nod.”

The former Celtic forward made it clear that he likes what Høgh brings to the team, but believes Duran’s performances have reached a level where leaving him out would be extremely difficult.

“I like Hogh but Duran’s form has made him undroppable and you get the best out of him through the middle.”

Sutton’s argument is based not only on Duran’s statistics but also on where he believes the player can have the biggest influence.

Why Sutton rejects the left-wing option

There has been discussion about whether Duran could instead be moved to the left wing to accommodate Høgh in the central position.

Sutton, however, does not believe that would be the right solution.

He explained that while he understands why some people have suggested moving Duran towards the left, it would not work for him because the Colombian has yet to play a single minute in that position for Celtic.

“I get why some people have suggested he move off to the left wing but it’s not something that would work for me. He’s not even played a minute out there for Celtic and it would upset the balance of the team.”

The concern is therefore not simply about fitting two talented attackers into the same starting XI. Sutton believes changing Duran’s position could reduce the effectiveness of a player who is currently thriving in his preferred role.

A huge decision for O’Neill

If O’Neill follows Sutton’s prediction, it would represent a significant call from the Celtic manager.

Dropping Høgh would inevitably attract attention because of the money Celtic invested in signing him and the expectations attached to becoming the club’s record signing.

However, football selection is ultimately about current performance, and Duran’s form makes a compelling case for his inclusion.

Six goals and three assists in nine games is a significant contribution, particularly for a new arrival still adapting to Scottish football. His pace and individual ability also give Celtic a different threat that could cause problems for Rangers.

At the same time, leaving Høgh out would mean Celtic would lose some of the physical qualities he provides. His ability to occupy defenders, hold the ball up and bring teammates into play could prove useful in a high-pressure Old Firm encounter.

Celtic face a difficult attacking choice

The decision ultimately leaves O’Neill with a fascinating dilemma.

Høgh offers physical presence, movement and an ability to connect with the players around him, while Duran has become one of Celtic’s most dangerous and exciting attackers.

Sutton believes the Colombian’s current form should take priority, even if that means the record signing starts from the bench.

It would certainly be a bold move in one of the biggest matches of the season. Yet if Duran continues the form he has shown since arriving at Celtic, O’Neill may feel that keeping him through the middle gives the Hoops their best opportunity to hurt Rangers.

For now, the final decision rests with the Celtic manager. But Sutton’s prediction has already created an intriguing possibility ahead of the Old Firm clash: Celtic’s record signing could begin the derby on the bench, while Duran is trusted to lead the line and provide the magic that has made him so difficult to leave out.