Martin O’Neill’s man management will keep Osmand’s feet on the ground

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·03 de novembro de 2025

Martin O’Neill’s man management will keep Osmand’s feet on the ground

Callum Osmand had quite the day at Hampden Park yesterday. The young forward, who joined Celtic from Fulham in the summer, has largely been out of sight this season, plying his trade with the B Team and missing out on Brendan Rodgers’ European squad.

Callum Osmand celebrates with the Celtic supporters after the match. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Vídeos OneFootball

But under interim boss Martin O’Neill, the teenager finally got his moment in the spotlight, and he seized it in dramatic fashion.

After catching the eye with a lively cameo in O’Neill’s first game in charge against Falkirk, Osmand was again called upon at Hampden in the League Cup semi-final against theRangers. With the match deep into extra time and Celtic holding a slender lead, the 19-year-old struck the decisive blow, showing a poacher’s instinct to turn in Kieran Tierney’s driven cross and seal a 3-1 victory.

Kieran Tierney is delighted as Callum Osmand celebrates his goal. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

It was the kind of finish every striker dreams about, and it sent Celtic through to a League Cup Final date on Sunday 14 December against St Mirren.

Osmand’s joy was clear for all to see. The youngster even joined the Premier Sports post-match interviews, still buzzing from the occasion. He said:

“From day one, [O’Neill] just spoke to me and said he thinks very highly of me. That just gives you the boost you need really. Under both managers, they were both pushing me but Martin’s just given me that confidence and trust. That’s all you need from a manager — one person to believe in you and push you on.”

Reflecting on his Hampden heroics, Osmand added, “It’s going to be the craziest day of my life. There’s nothing that can really top this — unless I score against them in the final!”

While Osmand was basking in his breakthrough moment, his manager was already making sure his feet stayed firmly on the ground. O’Neill, never one to shy away from a reality check, was quick to balance praise with perspective.

Callum Osmand in action. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

“The other lad’s an interesting character,” O’Neill smiled.

“He’s got plenty of confidence. When he learns to play centre forward properly, it’ll be great. He does a bit of flicking here and there, but he’s sharp and he wants to go. And he got the goal — and certainly celebrated it! But if the game had gone to penalties and Rangers had won, I might not have seen him tomorrow… he missed a great chance before that!”

When asked later if it was pleasing to see Osmand grab his first senior goal, O’Neill’s response was typically wry, “Yeah, delighted. Didn’t he milk it as well?”

The veteran manager’s words might sound harsh to some, but in truth they’re a masterclass in man management. O’Neill has long been regarded as one of the game’s great motivators, a coach who understands players as people, not just footballers. His comments weren’t about dampening the excitement, but about shaping Osmand’s mindset for the long haul.

Callum Osmand in action. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Had results been different, such remarks might have been viewed as unnecessary criticism of a young player on the rise. But with Celtic buoyant under O’Neill and a cup final on the horizon, his approach will be seen for what it is, the careful guiding hand of experience.

Callum Osmand has only two senior appearances to his name, but one of them has already given him hero status among the Celtic faithful. O’Neill’s message is simple, enjoy the moment, but understand why you were needed in the first place. Osmand’s extra-time goal came only after a glaring earlier miss, one his manager is determined he’ll learn from.

Callum Osmand in action. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

It was subtle but effective from O’Neill, praise mixed with a pinch of humility. He knows that in football, you’re only ever a moment away from being the villain rather than the hero. For Osmand, the lesson is clear, you’re a centre-forward first, an entertainer second in a Martin O’Neill team.

At Hampden, Callum Osmand announced himself to the Celtic support. Martin O’Neill, meanwhile, ensured that the story doesn’t end there.

Man management at its best.

Niall J

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com

Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books