Callum Osmand will always cherish his iconic moment that will go down in Celtic history. But the Hoops hitman is determined to be remembered for more than his incredible final-day Premiership title clincher against Hearts.
Title-Deciding Goal
Osmand's 98th-minute race up the Parkhead pitch to tuck into the empty net against the Jambos with the last kick of the campaign to make it 3-1 sparked wild celebrations and has been played on repeat since that remarkable day on May 16. The youngster gets reminded of it every day on social media and even had fans recreating his memorable celebration when he was on his holidays.
Osmand will never tire of talking about it – but wants to build a body of work rather than just going down as the man who sealed the silverware. The 20-year-old said: “When I was on holiday in Cyprus, I just saw some lads that were doing the celebration down the road. I spotted them, and I was like, ‘Nah, surely not’. Then they came over, but that was a funny moment. Good fun.”
Aim for Consistency
“I think almost every person that comes up to me now mentions the goal or that day, which I don’t mind at all. I can’t escape that goal. I see that goal almost every day. Someone sends it to me or reminds me when I’m taking a selfie with someone. I’ve replied to that a million times. It’s really good. I’m so happy. I was happy it was me. I’m never going to get away from that goal. It’s always going to be somewhere or someone’s going to speak to me about it. I’m really happy about it.”
Osmand had another magical moment in notching against Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final extra-time win last November at Hampden before getting crocked – but he is hungry for more. The former Fulham kid said: “It’s more about seeing if I can do it against everyone now instead of just having a couple of big moments. I want to challenge myself to be able to do it week in, week out and not just be a moments player.”
Pre-Season and Competition
“I want to stake my claim and show I can do more than that and be a regular, giving the same as I’ve been giving in the moments week in, week out. That is the goal for me this year. Everything’s changed in a good way. It’s about making sure I give people what they want. But, yeah, my life has changed since that goal.”
Osmand has been doing the hard yards in pre-season and led the line from the start in Tuesday’s 4-1 friendly defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Algarve. Boss Martin O’Neill has drafted in striker Camilo Duran – who notched Celts’ goal in the loss – and is working on a deal to bring back Kelechi Iheanacho, while Daizen Maeda is tipped for an exit. But Osmand is determined to be the main man and said: “It’s always what I’m aiming for. I want to just try and take my chance when it comes.”
“With there not being as much competition in a sense, I’ve been playing more, which I’m happy about. But it is always good to have someone there as well that is pushing you, like Kelechi was. There were a few other boys who were sort of raising the standard, so it’s always good to have people around. I do want to push myself as much as I can without anyone else. I don’t really think about anyone else. When I’m playing, I’m thinking about just getting myself in the best position and doing the best for me. But, yeah, it’s always good to have competition as well.”
Impressed by New Signing
Duran made an immediate impact, with the £6million signing from Qarabag notching from the bench. Osmand has been impressed and said: “He seems like a good player. We haven’t seen much of him. He was ill yesterday. A few of the boys were struggling. He seems quick, good. His pressing seems very good too. He was darting around a lot. That’s how he got his goal. He seems like a good lad.”
Likewise, Osmand is thrilled O’Neill is back in the dugout after the gaffer gave him his big chance last term after starting out in the B team following his arrival from Craven Cottage. He said: “Hopefully, he can make use of me and I can play for him and do what I do best. I’m just hoping I get that chance. I’m going to work as hard as I can, same as last year, to make sure I put myself in the best place. I’m really happy he’s here. He showed a lot of faith in me, him and the coaching staff. Hopefully, it’s the start of something big.”
Celts are looking to ramp up their Premiership preparations against Middlesbrough tomorrow with fans growing impatient at a lack of signings. Osmand’s focus is on building fitness towards the big kick-off, though, adding: “These games are always tough. Personally, it’s hard to get up for it as much because you know it doesn’t mean anything. But you need to be up for every game.”
