Callum Osmand and Camilo Duran have forged a lethal attacking partnership at Celtic, despite admitting they barely understand each other's language. The duo came off the bench to inspire a comprehensive victory over Besiktas in the Europa League, with Osmand scoring just 43 seconds after his introduction and then setting up Duran for a second before the Colombian added a third.
Friendship fuels on-pitch chemistry
Osmand revealed that their budding friendship off the pitch has translated into a devastating understanding on it. Despite the language barrier, the pair have developed a rapport that has breathed life into Celtic's European campaign.
"He's unbelievable, a really top player," Osmand said. "You can just see even by the way he walks and the way he moves. I learn off him every day. He's an amazing guy. His English is really not great but somehow we manage to talk to each other a lot."
The attacker added: "I consider him quite a good friend now. And although we might not speak many words, you can tell just by looking – I don't know how to describe it. It's like we talk to each other a lot. Maybe it's little words but I feel like we get on really well. He's a great guy."
Impact substitute delivers again
Osmand has made a habit of scoring crucial goals for Celtic, adding another to his collection on Thursday night to help turn the tide in Europe. The 43-second strike was his first touch of the game.
"It was crazy. It's a surreal feeling when it was my first touch as well," he said. "I was a bit nervous that I'd shanked it – but no, I'm happy that I caught it nicely. The manager said to just go. He knows that I know what he expects from me, just making sure I can bring something and sort of help."
Duran, signed for £6m, has proven to be a bargain for the Hoops, while Osmand continues to impress despite being deployed out on the left flank. The young attacker acknowledged he is still learning his role.
"I would say I'm nowhere near where I want to be personally," Osmand admitted. "There's stuff I need to tidy up on, like my decision-making. But I feel like the more games I play, the more I understand and learn."
Focus turns to league form
Osmand faces competition from Jota and Yang-Hyun-jun for the left-wing slot against Kilmarnock, but insists the priority is maintaining the momentum from the Besiktas win. Celtic dropped points at Falkirk and against Dundee United, and despite sitting top of the league, they have played a game more than rivals Rangers.
"It's really important. Obviously, we're still at the top of the league but the gap can change at any time," Osmand said. "So it's just about winning every game possible in the league then just building on everything. We know that we're a good side, and we all back each other."
Reflecting on the Besiktas result, he added: "It was a huge result. It felt like a must-win. We knew we could still qualify but we had to get something out of Thursday night. I think the boys did amazing, so hopefully we just get some confidence and build on this."
