Martin O’Neill has revealed Callum Osmand was feeling his hamstring at half-time after scoring twice in Celtic’s 7-1 win over Hearts.

The youngster was handed his first Celtic start at Celtic Park and made the most of it, scoring twice in the first half as the Hoops tore Hearts apart.

Osmand’s first came after Camilo Duran slipped him through, with the forward keeping his composure to finish. His second came soon after, heading in from close range after Duran kept the move alive.

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It looked like the perfect afternoon for the attacker, but there was some concern when he did not emerge for the second half.

Jota replaced him at the break, with Osmand denied the chance to chase a hat-trick.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, O’Neill explained the decision and confirmed there was a hamstring issue behind the change.

He said: “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.”

That explains why O’Neill took no risk.

Celtic were 5-1 up at the break and already in complete control, so there was little sense in pushing Osmand through any discomfort.

The forward has already had a difficult time with hamstring trouble, and O’Neill clearly felt the smarter call was to protect him.

It was still a major day for Osmand.

Celtic have a busy run coming up, including Thursday’s Europa League clash with Celta Vigo, so Osmand’s fitness will be watched closely.

On form, he has just forced his way right into the manager’s thinking.