Callum Osmand Shines in Celtic's League Cup Victory
Callum Osmand's dynamic performance off the bench during Celtic's Scottish League Cup semi-final victory over Rangers has left many wondering about his previous absence from the squad.
Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew questioned, "Where has Osmand been?" while ex-Scotland forward James McFadden pondered, "Why has he not been an option until now?" These inquiries likely resonate with a fanbase that has witnessed their team struggle offensively this season.
In a pivotal appearance at Hampden, the 19-year-old forward scored one goal and could have added more as Celtic triumphed over their 10-man rivals in extra time.
Replacing fellow goalscorer Johnny Kenny, who has seized his opportunity, Osmand has now made a strong case to be a regular under interim manager Martin O'Neill.
"There are no words; it’s one of those moments that don’t happen often," Osmand told Premier Sports. "It’s an amazing feeling; there’s nothing better. This is going to be the craziest day of my life. There’s nothing that can really top this - unless it’s scoring against them in the final - but it’s the best day of my life."
Finding the Missing Osmand
So, where has Osmand been? According to the Wales youth international, he has been "running up and down in the rain on the pitch on my own," after joining Celtic from Fulham’s academy last summer.
A prolific scorer in Fulham's youth setup, Osmand was recognized for his potential by former manager Brendan Rodgers upon his arrival at Celtic in June. However, he did not see any playing time under Rodgers, despite the team's struggles in attack leading up to the manager's unexpected resignation.
Osmand made his debut under O'Neill as a substitute in last Wednesday's 4-0 victory over Falkirk and again came off the bench at Hampden on Sunday.
"He has just given me the confidence and the trust," Osmand said of O'Neill. "It only takes one person to believe in you and push you on. The past few months have been challenging, but I feel those experiences build character and prepare you for these moments - you just have to seize them."
Osmand Adds a New Dimension to Celtic
O'Neill admitted he "didn’t know anything" about Osmand until recently, but he has praised his "excellent" contributions since joining the squad. "The young man is very sharp," O'Neill noted. "He wants to get a couple of DVDs on Henrik [Larsson] - that would help. He’s got plenty of confidence; he was arguing with everyone at the end."
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon described Osmand as "something a little bit different." In his impactful performance at Hampden, Osmand registered five shots and received a yellow card for a foul on Rangers captain James Tavernier. His goal came from his fifth attempt, finishing a low cross from Kieran Tierney with precision.
Osmand’s intense pressing in the build-up to the goal helped Celtic regain possession in the final third after he dispossessed Joe Rothwell. This kind of drive has been lacking in a Celtic side that has struggled to score, having failed to find the net in six games this season and scoring fewer league goals than Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, and Dundee United.
However, with seven goals in their last two matches under O'Neill, and young talents like Osmand and Kenny stepping up, there are newfound signs of life in Celtic's attacking lineup. Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner remarked on BBC Sportsound, "That summed up a Celtic team under Martin O'Neill: high energy, everyone putting in tackles. Is that what we are going to get from Celtic every week now?"
Fan Reactions
David: Kenny suddenly starts scoring, and Osmand gets into the squad and scores - neither of these were happening under Rodgers. The shackles are off, and players seem liberated.
Ian: Good to see the intensity back. Osmand and Kenny look like strong options up front, and Auston Trusty was solid.
Jim: Why has it taken until now for Osmand to be included in the first team? Rodgers wanted to send him out on loan. It’s early days, but youth is finally getting a chance for stardom.
Gary: Celtic would be in the Champions League if Osmand had been selected from the start of the season. O'Neill and Shaun Maloney have reintroduced attacking football and should be permanent appointments. The dismal Rodgers regime is over.