Callum Osmand makes surprising Celtic admission despite Europa League heroics
Celtic youngster Callum Osmand has admitted he is “nowhere near” the level he wants to reach as he continues to establish himself in Martin O’Neill’s first-team plans.
The 20-year-old made an immediate impact in Thursday night’s dramatic 3-2 Europa League victory over Besiktas, scoring a stunning goal with his first touch before providing an assist for fellow substitute Camilo Duran.
The pair inspired Celtic’s comeback as the Hoops secured their first European points of the campaign after four league phase matches.
Despite being a natural striker, Osmand has predominantly operated on the left wing this season and insists he is enjoying the freedom afforded to him by the coaching staff.
Asked about his new position, Osmand said: “It is new for me, but I’m really enjoying it. It’s a really fun position and it’s very, very attacking.
“I have a lot of freedom and the staff give me that freedom and tell me to go and try and make something happen. So it’s a great feeling when you know you can just go and sort of impose your game.
“I would say I’m nowhere near where I want to be personally, and there’s stuff I need to tidy up on, decision-making and all this stuff — but I feel like the more games I play, the more I understand and the more I learn.
“So on a personal note, that’s what I want to do: just keep learning and keep understanding my role, like the team and the players you’re playing with.
“And I’ve still only played a handful of games, so it’s tough learning, but I feel like when you get thrown in at the deep end, it’s the best way to learn, and the worst games are what you learn off more than the good games. It’s just as long as I can get better every game, that’s all I really want to focus on.”
Osmand also believes Thursday’s comeback victory could prove an important turning point for Celtic, who have struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
Reflecting on the team’s confidence, he added: “I think we know that we’re a good side. We all back each other, and when we’re all together, and the fans are with us, and you feel it, you just want to get everyone sort of on one page, and then we feel like an amazing team.
“It’s sometimes tough to get to that point, because we’re lacking confidence, or we’re not playing as well, but I think Thursday night really showed everyone was together, and the final whistle gave us that. It should give us that confidence to go on.”
