Callum Osmand may get a chance to play in the Europa League after all thanks to a little-known rule.
Osmand wasn’t included in Celtic’s Europa League squad for the 2025/26 campaign, with Brendan Rodgers deciding against putting the young striker on the list.
However, since Rodgers’ departure, Osmand has looked like a future star, and even scored in the Hoops’ 3-1 win against Rangers.
Despite his impressive showings under Martin O’Neill, the 19-year-old is now preparing to sit out of the game against FC Midtjylland on Thursday. But, he could play a part later on this season.
Why Callum Osmand could get the chance to play in the Europa League
According to a newly-implemented UEFA rule, clubs are allowed to replace any player with a long-term injury with someone from their designated ‘B list’.
Cameron Carter-Vickers could be out for the season and would be the one to drop out.
Hayato Inamura, Osmand, Shin Yamada and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey are the four names on the B list, but multiple reports have claimed that Celtic are working tirelessly to get Osmand included.
When asked about the prospect of featuring on the European stage, the forward said: “I’ll play. Whatever happens. I’m ready to play.
“So if that can happen, it’ll be a good thing for me. I’m always ready to perform.”
Celtic’s striker problems are a distant memory
As the transfer window shut at the start of September, there were fears about the lack of attacking options.
Kelechi Iheanacho was brought in on a free and was the chosen man to lead the line under Rodgers, showing some signs of quality and chipping in with a few goals.
Less was made of Osmand, Yamada and Johnny Kenny but these last two games have shown that they have parts to play.
Kenny has three goals in two games under O’Neill and looks like a different player, while Osmand has burst onto the scene and shown everyone what the Hoops have been missing.
It is early days, but it already feels like those striking issues are going to become a thing of the past.
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