Martin O'Neill has tipped Kasper Hogh to become a "big player" for Celtic.
The Danish striker made a return from injury in Wednesday's match against St Johnstone and is in contention to feature again when Celtic face Rangers in Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.
Hogh, who joined Celtic from Bodo/Glimt in an £11 million summer deal, was praised by O'Neill for his potential impact on the team.
Celtic's manager said: "We've got three huge games over the course of the next week in three different competitions. Kasper is going to be a big player for us for sure."
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O'Neill highlighted the importance of the next few matches, with the League Cup, Europa League, and another clash with Rangers lined up.
He added: "It would be nice to go through this period unbeaten if we possibly can. By the time we then come back from the international break, Kasper will be a big player for us."
O'Neill also admitted that he had underestimated the workload Hogh had shouldered before his move to Glasgow, coming off a regular playing schedule in Norway.
He said: "In all honesty, I hadn't realised how many games he had played prior to joining us due to how the season works over in Norway."
With a demanding schedule ahead, O'Neill is confident Hogh will play a crucial role for Celtic, proving himself as a key figure in the squad.
