Callum Osmand says his whirlwind debut season at Celtic has felt like “10 years in one” after firing the champions over the line against Hearts.
The 20-year-old returned from seven months out to deliver a goal and assist in Saturday’s 3-1 win, sealing the title in style. “It’s surreal,” he said. “It’s still not sunk in yet, but it’s an amazing feeling to be champions.”
Signed from Fulham last summer, Osmand’s breakthrough was dramatic. He scored in the Hampden win over Rangers before it all came crashing down days later with a serious hamstring injury on his European debut.
“I had the best feeling of my life to the worst feeling of my life,” he admitted. “It took me a while to earn that chance and then it was gone within a week.
“The last six months have been really tough. It’s been a grind. But now I feel better than I ever have.”
Thrown back into the mix at Tynecastle, Osmand made an immediate impact. He teed up Daizen Maeda before racing clear to score with Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow stranded upfield.
“I didn’t even realise at first,” he said. “I thought there was still a keeper in goal. Then I looked up and thought, ‘Oh, there’s no keeper’.”
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His late strike sparked a pitch invasion as Celtic fans poured onto the park. “It was crazy,” he said. “I don’t think I could see for about 30 seconds. Everyone was just ecstatic.”
Despite the injury-hit campaign, Osmand believes the experience has fast-tracked his development. “I’ve learned so much,” he said. “About myself, about how demanding this level is.
“I’m sort of grateful for it in a way. It’s helped me having those ups and downs. It really matures you.”
Now, with a title secured, the striker is hungry for more. “I want to be more involved next year,” he said.
“Get my name out there and make more of an impact.”
