“Stay calm”; Celtic loanee Osaze Urhoghide lists where he needs to improve his game

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Celtic youngster Osaze Urhoghide, out on loan at KV Oostende, has given a frank assessment of how his game could be improved.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man, signed in the summer of 2021, is currently at Jack Hendry’s old club, playing in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. He impressed on his Celtic debut, against Real Betis, showing defensive instincts and a real willingness to advance the ball. Either running with the ball, or moving it on smartly, he showed real promise.

However, Urhoghide is quick to point out where he can be better. In an interview with KV Oostende’s in-house media, he made it clear – amongst other things – that he needs to make improvements in certain aspects.

Urhoghide said [KVO]: “[Points of focus] are always there. 

“So I really have to focus to stay calm when I’m on the ball. When attackers put pressure on me when I have the ball, I sometimes… make hasty decisions. 

“Another point of my work is that I sometimes have to dare to play a little faster. Against Saint-Truiden, for example, I had some good [runs] in the midfield. But sometimes I doubt a little too long whether I will make the right choice. 

“Sometimes you just have to try something. If that doesn’t work then you have to learn from that for next time.”

Celtic youngster Osaze Urhoghide; typically honest, and clearly influenced by Ange Postecoglou

Osaze Urhoghide may not have been at Celtic for too long before his loan to KV Oostende, but his attitude is pure Ange.

He’s right; if he makes a mistake, it’s a lesson for next time. As long as his effort and mind are right, and he’s trying to move the ball positively, and make good decisions, he’ll be in good stead. His decision making looked decent against Real Betis, but in regular league action, there’ll naturally be moments where he’s less in control.

Whether KV Oostende pick up the purchase option on Urhoghide is a mystery at this point. He’s addressed the potential of it happening, in the same interview.

For me, that’d be a shame. Urhoghide has very obvious potential, and it’d be bizarre to see Celtic give up on a talent just one season into his time here.

Urhoghide very obviously has the cognisance to realise his limitations, and the attitude to work on them. If he can become the well-rounded player he wants to be, Celtic could have a real talent on their hands.

Read more: Celtic boss’ important message to Lennoxtown youngsters that went under the radar yesterday