Callum Osmand has had a great impact at Celtic since Martin O’Neill’s arrival.
O’Neill handed Osmand his Celtic debut in the 4-0 win over Falkirk at Parkhead last Wednesday night.
Osmand then went on to face Rangers in a Celtic cameo that saw the young Welsh striker scored his first-ever goal for the club in the 3-1 Premier Sports Cup win at Hampden.
It’s been a dramatic rise to stardom for the youngster, and now that Osmand has been drafted into Celtic’s Europa League squad this week, the 19-year-old is set to face FC Midtjylland in tonight’s tie in Denmark.
And speaking about the striker, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill admits he likes the youngster but sends a note of caution.
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Martin O’Neill talks up ‘amazing’ Callum Osmand ahead of FC Midtjylland vs Celtic
Osmand’s goal against Rangers is the stuff of dreams for Celtic fans, and now that he has rose to stardom at Parkhead, O’Neill has said he is a big fan of the 19-year-old striker.
O’Neill told Celtic TV, ” It’s been amazing really really for him. He’s a really nice lad and um and he’s sharp and he’s good and yeah, I like him.
“I like him. But, it’s early yet. I think the impact is because he scores against Rangers and that’s very big in itself. And the fact that he slid in like a proper centre-forward and put the ball in the net, I mean, it’s great for him.
“He’s got a really good attitude. You think that he’s got this potential that you feel as if you could work with him and it might be a joy. It might not be and it might not be for the next manager coming up.
“But he’s not lacking in confidence but he’s not he’s not cocky or anything like that. He knows what he wants to do which is really pleasing.”
Martin O’Neill explains adding Callum Osmand’s addition to Celtic’s Europa League squad
And when asked if Osmand could make the jump to become a striker for the Europa League for Celtic after adding him to the squad, O’Neill admits he’s ‘delighted’ with the youngster.
The Celtic boss replied, “Now, would he be the short-term answer? Who knows? Who knows at this minute? But it’s a great start for him and he’s delighted with it, and I’m delighted with him.”
“Listen, I like him. This is my ninth day or something, I guess, here at the minute. And I think I was introduced to him twice in first day, you know.
“So, I kind of missed him first of all and then I saw him after that, but he’s great. I’m having a bit of a joke,
but it’s obviously gone down very badly.
“I’m really pleased with him, honestly, and he’s delighted with the goal, and against such illustrious opposition.”
With Celtic looking to get a positive result in Denmark, it is likely Osmand will start on the bench just behind Johnny Kenny.
But at least Celtic supporters know that if he’s called upon, Osmand won’t be afraid to throw himself in and try to help the team get all three Europa League points.
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