Celtic youngster Callum Osmand earns ‘world class’ praise after Hearts heroics

Former Celtic striker Tony Watt has heaped praise on Callum Osmand following his impressive performance against Hearts, describing the youngster’s movement as ‘world class’.

The 20-year-old marked his first professional start for the Hoops with two first-half goals during Sunday’s emphatic 7-1 victory at Celtic Park.

Osmand has already demonstrated his potential with massive contributions against Rangers and Hearts last season, but Sunday’s display provided further evidence of his growing importance to Martin O’Neill’s attacking options.

However, the youngster was withdrawn at half-time after experiencing discomfort in his hamstring, raising concerns given his previous struggles with injuries.

Watt, who faced Osmand during a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly between Celtic and Partick Thistle at Lennoxtown, revealed he was immediately impressed by the forward’s intelligent movement and ability to exploit space.

Speaking on Clyde 1’s Superscoreboard, Watt said: “I’m hoping it’s not an injury because the boy’s struggled with injuries. I seen enough of him last season to be excited. He works his socks off.

“But we played him in a pre-season friendly and his movement in behind, and I’m not exaggerating here, it was world class. His movement, I’m not saying he’s a world class player, I’m saying his movement.”