Welcome to Celtic, Callum Osmand.
It’s strange to say that, months into the season, but after several abject performances from Celtic, especially in front of goal, Osmand made his professional debut against Falkirk last Wednesday and then netted his first goal against Rangers on Sunday at Hampden.
On both occasions, the 19-year-old hasn’t looked out of place, as he writes his name into the history books for helping Celtic beat Rangers in the League Cup semi-final.
Martin O’Neill brought Osmand off the bench, and he repaid his interim manager by scoring a well-worked goal that downed Rangers’ sinking ship in extra-time.
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Celtic fans react to Callum Osmand’s cameo against Rangers
The Celtic Park faithful are loving what they are seeing from Osmand, but also questioning why it has taken him so long to make his debut.
Osmand signed from Fulham in the summer, yet Brendan Rodgers opted against using him, and now it’s not a good look for the departed Celtic coach.
Whatever Osmand does or doesn’t do in the coming weeks and months, the fact of the matter is that he has helped Celtic reach a final, despite playing zero minutes previously.
@AidanCeitic_ thinks this isn’t a good look on Rodgers: ‘Callum Osmand being locked away by Rodgers is genuinely disgusting. Why has a player this talented been rotting in the reserves 😂😂😂.’
@CraigCelt notes what is now ‘unfortunate’ about Osmand now: ‘Second competitive match and he scores his for Celtic goal in a Glasgow Derby semi-final. What a day for Callum Osmand. Unfortunately, he must sit in the stand on Thursday against Midtjylland because he wasn’t registered for the Europa League this season.’
What a week it has been at Celtic, as @CadetesGhirl explained: ‘Imagine being told last Sunday that by that time next week, Martin O’Neill would be in the dugout and Callum Osmand would be scoring the winner in a 3-1 victory over them….’
All praise to O’Neill, as @Highland__paddy stated: ‘Osmand must be feeling ten foot tall after that today. Martin O’Neill showed faith in him, and he repaid it. Well done, young man.’
@ACSOMPOD applauded Osmand’s movement and sharpness: ‘That turn of pace after timing his run perfectly left three defenders scratching their heads. Out from the cold and now right into the first-team mix for Callum Osmand 👏.’
@Boaby_Wan just stating facts: ‘A player we’d have never seen if Brendan remained in charge. Well done, Callum!’
@MartinMaginess3 has high hopes: ‘He’s going to be a player for us.’
Another Celtic fan mentioning the ‘benefit’ of Rodgers leaving, as @KedziorGrzegorz added: ‘One of many benefits of kicking Rodgers out 👍.’
Another Celtic fan mentioning Osmand not playing until last week, as @Elcano6791 stated: ‘Happy for the young guy. No idea why it has taken this long to get him into 1st team squad.’
More praise for Osmand, as @ParadisePlaques added: ‘What a Bhoy! Lovely play by the team and a very well-deserved goal for the youngster! CALLUM OSMAND! What a Bhoy.’
Michael Stewart delivers verdict on Osmand’s cameo
This was a deserved goal from Osmand because when he was introduced into the action, and remember, he was first change from O’Neill, he looked like he belonged on the pitch.
Michael Stewart was on Premier Sports commentary, and he loved what he was seeing from the teenager.
“Osmand has looked bright,” said Stewart. “He has been positive. Bright and very direct in his play.
On Osmand’s goal: “He’s bright, he’s alert. He gets himself between the sticks and puts it into the back of the net. That’s a good striker’s goal.”
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