Back
Callum Osmand says scoring in Europe would be “the dream” as the Celtic youngster looks to build on a whirlwind few days.
The forward made his first Celtic start in Sunday’s 7-1 win over Hearts and marked it with two goals before coming off at half-time.
That sparked some concern, especially given his previous injury issues, but Osmand has moved to calm fears ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Celta Vigo.
All the upcoming Celtic fixtures are on our fixtures page.
Speaking ahead of the game on Thursday, Osmand said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “Yeah, it’s been a crazy few days and I’m really happy to have started my first game finally after a long time out.
“But it’s been tough, obviously. I’ve had my ups and my downs, but hopefully now it’s just plain sailing and getting some more minutes.”
Osmand’s performance against Hearts was one of the big positives for Celtic on a day when Martin O’Neill’s side badly needed a response.
Thrown in from the start on the left, he gave Celtic direct running, energy and two goals before the break.
Asked about his fitness after being withdrawn at half-time, Osmand said: “Yeah, I feel okay. It’s all fine.
“It was just I was a little bit tired at half-time, but both hammies were a bit tired, so I just let the physios know.
“Just to be precautionary, you know, but I was alright to carry on.
“I think it was just to minimise the risk, as you don’t want anything going wrong.”
That will be a relief for Celtic, with Osmand now firmly in the picture for more minutes during a busy run.
Osmand has already been taking advice from one of the best wide men at the club.
He said: “Obviously, Jota’s a good help. I was speaking to him earlier today about where to be and stuff.
“But the coaches helped me as well.”
Now he wants another big moment.
Asked what it would mean to score in Europe, Osmand said: “That is the dream, obviously.
“I do want to be scoring in Europe as well.
“Scoring in the league is one of my goals, and then scoring in Europe would be another goal of mine.
“So hopefully I can achieve that.”
Celtic need a result against Celta Vigo after losing their opening two Europa League matches.
Osmand’s rise has come quickly, but his message is simple enough. He wants to stay fit, keep playing and make an impact wherever O’Neill needs him.