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Kasper Hogh's 'big personality' will endear him to Celtic fans as stand-in boss reveals Arne Engels latest Stand-in Celtic boss thrilled to end ‘tough week’ on a high in Ayrshire Shaun Maloney reckons a "big personality" will endear Kasper Hogh to the Celtic fans after the Danish international's scintillating first-half hat-trick against Kilmarnock steered the champions to an emphatic 5-1 victory in Ayrshire. In the absence of veteran boss Martin O'Neill, assistant manager Maloney was placed in charge and guided the visitors to a commanding second win of the new season, with Hogh bagging three goals in the space of 35 minutes to light up Rugby Park. Benjamin Nygren got on the scoresheet within minutes of the restart before Michael Schjonning-Larsen pulled one back for Kilmarnock, but substitute Luke McCowan completed the rout with 15 minutes remaining. Discussing Hogh's emphatic early impact, Maloney admits it was vital for the former Bodo/Glimt centre-forward to get off the mark as he looks to justify his hefty £11m price tag. “It was huge," Maloney reacted when asked about Hogh scoring first goals for the club. "He’s really settled in quickly. His performance against Dundee was good, even though he missed some chances. But that’s the life of a no.9. I was really impressed with his all-round game. "Kilmarnock go man-for-man and try to press you aggressive, but everything that went up to him stuck and he was a platform for our team. The goals kind of topped it off. “We’ve watched him for a long, long time and we know if we create chances, he will score them. We haven’t known him for too long but he has a big personality, which you need as a Celtic No.9. "Duran has also come in with a different personality, he’s quiet and gets on with his work. He was brilliant as well. They are two very different personalities but they have both settled in really well. "The players were really impressive today but probably the most impressive thing was the mentality. We started full throttle and never really came off it. It’s been a tough week for everyone but they were really good. It’s set a standard and we have to reach that in every game." Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston update issued Maloney issued a fresh update on the futures of Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston, with the latter withdrawn at half-time as a precaution after suffering an injury niggle. “Michael and Martin will be able to to tell you the exact strategy around any of the outgoings in relation to the Champions League games," Maloney responded when asked if there had been any developments on the duo. “Arne was as good as I’ve seen him. I thought he was excellent at the end of last season. It’s been hard for him in preseason. He’s been with us the whole time and it’s not been an easy summer for him. “He wanted to see me yesterday and he was really strong in wanting to put a performance on today. I thought him and McGregor were brilliant. I’m a huge fan of Arne. He showed what he has today, his pass at the end for Forrest was outstanding." No movement on potential incomings On potential transfer activity and whether there had been any movement over the last 48 hours, Maloney added: "I don’t think so. The last time I spoke to Michael and Martin was after training yesterday, so I don’t think so. Business is going on as normal. "Martin still able to talk to Michael and the targets we have are still the same. We have to respect what he’s been through and trying to take some of the workload off him for a few days. But it’s all going on as normal and hopefully he’s back next week." Comments Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.