ODIN HOLM politely declined to wave the Premiership silverware at the celebrating Celtic fans following the 3-2 win over St Mirren on the final day of the league season at Parkhead on May 18.
It was clear the Norwegian midfielder, who arrived in a £2.25million switch from Valerenga the previous summer, did not reckon he had done enough to join in the party.
Twenty-one-year-old Holm made only 13 appearances in his debut campaign and claimed one goal – in the 5-0 Scottish Cup victory over non-league Buckie Thistle In January – as he struggled to meet the demands of being a Celtic player.
CRUNCH…Odin Holm is tackled by Kilmarnock’s David Watson in Celtic’s League Cup disappointing exit at Rugby Park last August.
The hard-working middle-of-the-park operator arrived in the east end of Glasgow just a few days after the second coming of Brendan Rodgers.
Holm had been monitored by Hoops scouts the previous season, but it was the comeback manager who gave the move the green light as he admitted: “I have spent time already with Odin.
“He is an ambitious, exciting young player and I know he is delighted to be joining us.”
Unfortunately, Holm’s Hoops career got off to the worst possible start as the holders crashed out of the League Cup at the first hurdle, losing 1-0 to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in the third game of the term.
SEEING RED…Odin Holm is banished in Celtic’s 2-0 Champions League loss against Feyenoord in Rotterdam in September.
The player also had a Champions League baptism to forget when he was red-carded in the 2-0 opening-day group loss to Feyenoord in Rotterdam four games later.
Holm had just replaced Reo Hatate 11 minutes earlier before he was dismissed following an awkward challenge on an opponent.
The youngster who had appeared to promise so much faded from the first-team picture and wasn’t included in Rodgers’ Scottish Cup Final matchday squad before the 1-0 victory over Rangers at Hampden on the iconic date of May 25.
However, on a brighter note, Holm has started both the champions’ pre-season games, the 1-1 draw with Scott Brown’s Ayr United on Friday and the 6-4 win over Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden last night.
FRESH AYR…Odin Holm gets the go-ahead for a first-team start in Celtic’s opening friendly of the pre-season in the 1-1 draw at Somerset Park last week.
He was also be on the US-bound flight a week on Saturday where the Hoops will play DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea in a whirlwind pre-season tour.
With a bit of luck, Holm will get the chance to show his qualities in these outings and push for a place in the pool when the serious business gets underway against Kilmarnock at Parkhead in the Premiership opener on Sunday August 4.
It has been far from ideal so far for Holm, who signed a five-year deal in June 2023, but he is hoping to reverse the trend.
Who knows? He may even accept the opportunity to wave some silverware at the Parkhead supporters at the conclusion of the 2024/25 crusade.
