Osaze Urhoghide has insisted Ange Postecoglou still has a long-term plan for him at Celtic despite Oostende holding an option-to-buy on his loan move.
Urhoghide moved to Belgium on transfer deadline day last month.
It was surprising for a couple of reasons. First, it was abroad despite him having options to stay closer to Celtic in Scotland. Secondly, it included a purchase option despite him only joining the club last summer.
However, the former Sheffield Wednesday prospect still sees a future in Glasgow.
He told The Daily Record: “I spoke with Ange before I left and he told me he still sees a future at Celtic for me. But right now, my focus is on Oostende. We will see what happens here and will review it in the summer and go from there.
“We wanted to wait and see how January played out first before making a decision but I didn’t play as much as I wanted so I spoke with the manager and he agreed with me. He sees potential in me but wants me to be playing more regular first-team football and develop even more.
“I had some other options to stay closer to home but going abroad will give me a new experience which I’ve never really had before and the Belgian league is of a very high quality. It’s a really good opportunity for me to impress here and develop myself and my career.
“I would say it’s the biggest step of my career so far. It’s not going to be easy here but I’m ready for the exciting challenge ahead and I’m looking to leave Oostende a better player.”
I say fair play to Urhoghide for going out of his comfort zone to test himself in a quality league. It worked for Jack Hendry, as we know, so clearly Oostende know how to handle young players.
The youngster goes on to admit he wasn’t pleased with the amount of football he was getting under Postecoglou, but he’s sought out a move he feels will give him the opportunity of securing that.
We can only hope it pays off and he returns to Celtic a better, more well-rounded player. He has potential and strong attributes, but he clearly needs to hit a certain level before Ange will play him regularly.
In other news, “Accept this”; Chris Sutton’s Postecoglou reality check for Celtic supporters.
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