Callum Osmand marked his Celtic return in style after securing the Premiership title on the final day.
The striker made the matchday squad for the first time in six months after being sidelined through injury.
It was horrendous timing for a player who was only just getting started. He had scored against Rangers in the League Cup semi-final just four days prior, showing signs of a promising young striker.
After months of recovery and hard work, the 20-year-old made it back in time to feature in Celtic’s final-day title decider against Hearts.
He came off the bench in the 73rd minute in what was a smart tactical tweak that saw Celtic take the lead through Daizen Maeda.
Hearts then had one more throw of the dice, needing just one goal to ensure the title was theirs.
Instead, Osmand took the ball, ran up the pitch and tapped into an empty net. Pure euphoria ensued.
Osmand was asked about O’Neill remaining as Celtic manager next season, but the forward chose to focus on the success he has already brought. He said (Sky Sports):
“That’s probably in Martin’s hands, but he’s been amazing for us. You can’t understate what he’s done for the club. He’s pulled us out and saved us and won us the title.
“It’s in his hands. He’s fantastic. It’s up to him.”
There has been much talk of a statue being erected in O’Neill’s honour, something Osmand is fully behind.
“I’ll build it myself. I’ll be carving that at home. He’s fantastic.”
🍀 “I’ll build it myself!”
Callum Osmand is all for a statue of the “amazing” Martin O’Neill at Celtic Park ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/WGM1QfyIal
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 19, 2026
With the young striker showing his quality on Saturday, he will be hoping to make a similar impact in this weekend’s Scottish Cup final.
While a starting place is unlikely given the form of Maeda, and would come too soon given his recent return, Osmand will be raring to go should he be called upon.
Next season is set to be a significant one for him. While you could argue this is his breakout campaign, we will undoubtedly see more of him next year.
He’ll be one player that’ll almost certainly be here after the summer rebuild Celtic face. Four goals in seven appearances, even with a long-term injury, show signs of a player who can be here for the long haul.
And he isn’t the only one who is fully behind the idea of a statue in O’Neill’s honour. You’d struggle to find a supporter who’d be against that.
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