CALLUM OSMAND has scored only two goals in his first season at Celtic after his switch from Fulham in the summer.
But those two strikes will live forever in the memory bank of the 20-year-old frontman – and just about everyone who witnessed them.
The first came in the 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final triumph over Danny Rohl’s Ibrox outfit at Hampden in November.
The second came in the 3-1 Premiership-clinching victory over Hearts at an emotion-packed Parkhead on Saturday as Martin O’Neill’s men came back from seemingly nowhere to topple the long-time leaders and seal a fifth successive championship.
JUST CHAMPION…Callum Osmand, pursued by Kelechi Iheanacho, races away in delight after stroking in the third and title-winning goal against Hearts at Parkhead.
Osmand, a 73rd-minute substitute for Auston Trusty as the Hoops went for broke with the scoreline tied at 1-1 and time running down, also played a pivotal role in setting up the second goal for Daizen Maeda after accepting a neat pass from the impressive Marcelo Saracchi and whipping over a low cross from the left.
The Japanese speedster, as he had done the previous week in the 3-1 win over Ibrox opposition, arrived with perfect timing to clip the ball away from the sprawling Alexander Schwolow.
Celebrations in the 87th minute were delayed after an unfathomable flag for offside from touchline assistant David Roome, but VAR stepped in to overthrow the clearly erroneous decision – and it was party time again in Paradise.
Reflecting on a whirlwind return to action after being sidelined with a hamstring injury since early November, a beaming Osmand said: “It’s surreal. It’s still not sort of sunk in for me, but it’s an amazing feeling to be champions.
HAMPEN HOORAYS…Callum Osmand sits it out after scoring Celtic’s killer third goal against Rangers in the Premier Sports League Cup semi-final in November. James Tavernier and Jack Butland don’t share in the joy.
“I’ve obviously never won a title and it’s pretty much my first year in senior football, so I’m really happy.
“I think my phone almost overheated yesterday and I’ve still got a few to reply to, but I’m getting around to it.”
Looking at his goal against the Tynecastle side that made absolutely certain of the club’s fourteenth crown in 15 years, Osmand, speaking to Celtic TV, smiled: “I’ve seen it a thousand times. It’s amazing, the chances of that happening and then me just being through.
“The first couple of touches I thought the keeper was still in goal, because I was talking to Callum McGregor when the keeper was coming up into the box.
“So, I never actually realised and I was in a bit of a sweat thinking I must get this right.
“But as soon as got a bit closer I looked up and thought: ‘There’s no keeper!’ – and it was just a joyful moment.”
Praising interim manager O’Neill, the youngster continued: “He’s been really good. Every day when I was injured, he was asking me how I was getting on and how was everything.
THAT’S MY BHOY…Arne Engels and Callum Osmand celebrate.
“It’s what you need from a manager, just someone who is always there for you, he doesn’t forget you are there.
“I always felt a part of it even if I couldn’t give much to the team when I was injured. I always felt that I was involved and he made me feel like I was meant to be here. That’s all you can ask from a manager.
“And he is so funny, as well. In the meetings, he’s amazing. He knows how to calm us down and get us ready for games.
“He knows when to get on to us a little bit and when to heighten the mood. He knows what he’s doing and one of the best at his job.”
Now Osmand will turn his thoughts to making another massive contribution when the champions return to Hampden to face Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday.
Could the Welsh kid claim another special goal in the showpiece occasion?
Osmand added: “It would be the stuff of dreams. I’d love to make another impact.
“It’s my job, really, so I’m going to prepare myself, I know I’m ready
“I’ve worked hard to make sure I’m in the best place possible. I’ve just got to recover now until the game and, hopefully, I’ll get another chance.”
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