NafisaCeltic supporters were given another reason to celebrate on Sunday afternoon as their side produced a stunning 7-1 demolition of Hearts, but the celebrations came with an unexpected concern surrounding one of the club’s brightest young attacking talents.
Martin O’Neill’s side desperately needed a convincing response after a difficult run of results, and they delivered in spectacular fashion at Celtic Park.
The Hoops were ruthless in front of goal, taking a commanding lead into half-time before adding two more goals after the break to complete a remarkable afternoon.
For Callum Osmand, it was a particularly memorable occasion. Handed his first start for Celtic, the youngster seized his opportunity with both hands, scoring twice in the opening half and demonstrating why he could become an important option for O’Neill as the season progresses.
However, the forward’s absence from the pitch after half-time quickly raised questions. Having delivered such an impressive performance, Osmand was replaced by Jota at the interval, ending his hopes of completing a hat-trick in front of the home supporters.
The substitution was not simply a tactical decision, as O’Neill subsequently revealed that the youngster had been experiencing discomfort in his hamstring.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, the Celtic manager explained why he was unwilling to take any unnecessary risks with the forward, particularly given his previous problems with the same injury.
“He was feeling his hamstring.
“I’m not surprised he was feeling his hamstring at half-time.
“He wanted to continue, but I thought, no, no, listen.
“He had a big hamstring problem the last time way back.
“He was out for a number of months and he was just feeling it.
“Again, I wasn’t surprised because he’s played very, very little football.
“Really pleased for him, delighted for him.
“I thought he did great.”
The comments provide an explanation for why Osmand did not return for the second half, despite having given Celtic supporters plenty to cheer about during his time on the pitch.
With Celtic already leading 5-1 at the interval, O’Neill had little reason to gamble with a player who was experiencing discomfort. The manager clearly felt that protecting the youngster’s fitness was more important than allowing him to pursue an individual milestone.
Osmand’s previous hamstring problems made the decision even more understandable. Having already endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines because of the issue, the forward could hardly afford another significant setback just as he was beginning to establish himself in the first team.
O’Neill also offered further reassurance when discussing the situation, explaining that the substitution was precautionary rather than an indication that a serious injury had necessarily occurred.
“It was a hamstring problem at half-time, not surprised really because he’s not played that much but it was more precautionary than anything else,” he said.
The Celtic manager also revealed that the club’s physiotherapist had advised against allowing Osmand to continue, reinforcing the decision to withdraw him before the problem could potentially worsen.
“Tim, the physiotherapist, said just leave him out and I think he would have said that even if it had been nil-nil.”
That detail highlights the importance Celtic placed on protecting the young forward, even in a match where his performance had made him one of the afternoon’s standout players.
Osmand reportedly wanted to continue, which would have given him an opportunity to add to his two first-half goals. However, O’Neill was unwilling to take the risk, especially with an important Europa League fixture approaching.
The manager subsequently offered a positive update about the youngster’s prospects for the coming week.
“Yes, exactly. I think he wanted to continue for a while, but I think he’s saw sense and he’s… yeah. But he should be okay for Thursday.”
That will come as welcome news for Celtic supporters, although his condition will still need to be monitored as the club prepares for its next challenge.
Celtic host Celta Vigo on Thursday night in a Europa League match that carries considerable importance following defeats to Ferencvaros and Benfica in their opening two league-phase fixtures. O’Neill’s side need to start collecting points if they are to improve their position in the competition.
Osmand’s availability could therefore be significant. His performance against Hearts has strengthened his case for more involvement, and the prospect of having him available for the European encounter will offer encouragement to the manager.
The youngster opened the scoring after Camilo Duran played him through, allowing him to keep his composure and finish. His second arrived soon afterwards, when he headed home from close range after Duran helped keep the attacking move alive.
It was an impressive contribution from a player making his first Celtic start, particularly given the pressure surrounding the team before kick-off.
Osmand has also enjoyed memorable moments against Hearts previously, having scored against them last season to help Celtic secure the title. His latest brace against the same opposition adds another positive chapter to that developing story.
For O’Neill, the immediate priority will be ensuring that the youngster recovers fully and does not aggravate his hamstring problem. Celtic have a busy schedule ahead, and losing a promising attacker to another lengthy injury would be a significant setback.
The manager’s decision to substitute Osmand at half-time demonstrated a willingness to prioritise his long-term fitness over the possibility of further goals. With Celtic already comfortably ahead, there was little justification for taking an unnecessary risk.
The encouraging news is that O’Neill expects Osmand to be available for Thursday, although Celtic will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his recovery.
After such a memorable afternoon against Hearts, the youngster will be eager to build on his performance. If he can stay fit and continue delivering when given opportunities, he could become an increasingly important part of Celtic’s plans for the remainder of the campaign.
Nafisa
