Callum Osmand has revealed that he remains in touch with Daizen Maeda after their time together at Celtic.

After a flying performance on his first start for the club in last weekend’s stunning 7-1 win over Hearts, Osmand is now a serious option on Martin O’Neill’s left flank, despite being a striker by trade.

Maeda’s role was similar, with the forward splitting his time across the two roles in his time playing under O’Neill. For Osmand, he has the perfect role model in the Japan international.

It’s therefore handy that Maeda is supporting the 20-year-old as he breaks into the side as a Celtic regular, frequently messaging him after his goalscoring contributions.

Rate Callum Osmand's performance vs Hearts out of 10. Does he start against Celta Vigo?

Former Celtic striker Tony Watt has high praise for the 20-year-old 🙌

Callum Osmand on Daizen Maeda: ‘It’s a big hole to fill’

Discussing Maeda with the media, Osmand told: “Daizen would be the main guy who I’d look to. He messages me a lot. Every time I score he’ll message me or every time he scores or does something I’ll give him a message.

“He’s a really nice guy and he’d be one who I’d like to mould this role off. His running, his power and his runs in behind are things I admire.

“But it’s a big hole to fill. He offered a lot to the club, that position and as a striker. He’s been amazing, so it’s hard to replicate what he brought. 

I don’t know if you’ll see me running back the whole way like he did yet. I give my all every game so hopefully if I can get more minutes in the legs I can do something like that.”

On assistant Shaun Maloney, Osmand continued: “It’s funny because I was watching him the other day. I spoke to him because I’d never seen how he played, and I was saying we’re quite similar.

“I speak to him a lot and he helps me, as do the other coaches and the gaffer. It’s about keeping talking to them and learning.”