CALLUM OSMAND spent almost three months in the cold at Celtic after joining from Fulam in the summer.
The 19-year-old striker failed to make a first-team appearance while Brendan Rodgers was in charge, but his fortunes somersaulted when Martin O’Neill took over in an interim capacity a week ago.
Following the sudden departure of Rodgers, the youngster was brought into the squad for the midweek Premiership encounter against Falkirk and was handed a 15-minute cameo in the 4-0 triumph.
Undoubtedly, Shaun Maloney, O’Neill’s assistant during a period of unexpected change at the Hoops, made a pitch for the Welsh Youth international with frontmen Kelechi Iheanacho out with a hamstring injury and Daizen Maeda doubtful.
SIT-DOWN STRIKER…Callum Osmand is down but certainly not out as he claims Celtic’s third goal with Kieran Tierney about to congratulate the teenager. Rivals James Tavernier and Jack Butland don’t share the joy.
Osmand announced his arrival at the champions when he claimed the third and killer goal in the 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final triumph over Danny Rohl’s Ibrox side yesterday to set up a showpiece showdown against St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday December 14.
The confident youngster, who replaced first goalscorer Johnny Kenny in the 71st minute of a pulsating confrontation, lunged to turn in a low left-wing cross from Kieran Tierney in the 109th minute and it was game over.
Afterwards Osmand, who had also been denied twice by Jack Butland before his decisive strike, spoke of O’Neill’s immediate impact and admitted: “From day one, he just spoke to me and said he thinks very highly of me.
“Staff think highly of me and that just gives you the boost you really need.
HAMPDEN HOORAYS…Callum Osmand celebrates after his decisive strike.
“Under both managers, they were both pushing me, but Martin’s just given me that confidence when he’s come in and given me the trust.
“That’s all you need from a manager. It only takes one person to believe in you and then push you on.
“Hopefully, this is just the start for me, but obviously, I’ve got to keep building and pushing on.”
Osmand, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “It feels amazing. Like I said, there’s no words to describe this moment.
“It’s going to be the craziest day of my life ever. There’s nothing that can really top this unless scoring in the Final.
“This is the best day of my life.”
Osmand will not figure in Thursday’s Europa League match against FC Midtjylland in Denmark as he was not included in Rodgers’ UEFA squad.
However, he will hope to get another chance to show his worth when the Hoops take on Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Sunday.
