Tony Watt has described Callum Osmand’s movement in behind defenders as “world class” after the Celtic youngster scored twice on his first professional start.

Sunday’s meeting with Hearts was remarkably Osmand’s first appearance in Celtic’s starting XI, despite the significant moments he has already delivered for the club.

His goals against Rangers at Hampden and Hearts on last season’s final day had already made him a familiar name among supporters.

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Injuries have interrupted his progress, but an encouraging substitute appearance against Benfica last week helped him earn a starting opportunity against the Jambos.

Osmand seized that chance with a first-half double before being withdrawn at the interval as a precaution after feeling his hamstring.

Former Celtic striker Watt hopes that concern proves minor, having been impressed by Osmand well before Sunday’s performance.

“But I’m hoping it’s not an injury because the boys struggled with injuries, but do you know what he is? And I was saying to Jim again, like I seen enough of him last season to be excited.

“He works his socks off. But we played him in a pre-season friendly, and his movement in behind, and I’m not exaggerating here, it was world class.

“His movement, I’m not saying he’s a world class player, I’m saying his movement.”

Celtic played his Partick Thistle side in a closed-doors friendly at Lennoxtown in July, a week after returning for pre-season training.

He is praising a particular strength in Osmand’s game, rather than placing that label on him as a complete player, but there is a lot of potential there.

Osmand made himself available for Celtic’s third goal before getting into position to head home his second just moments later. His willingness to attack space gave Hearts another problem in an already difficult afternoon.

Combined with the work rate Watt highlighted, it makes him an exciting option for Martin O’Neill.