Callum Osmand’s Honest Celtic Confession Exposes a Striker Problem O’Neill Must Solve

Callum Osmand’s story at Celtic has already given supporters a moment they will never forget. His last-gasp goal against Hearts helped seal the league title. But in a new interview, the young striker has offered a more sobering update: injuries have left him frustrated, short of minutes and still trying to find his place in the team.

Osmand said he just wants to play after barely getting on the pitch during his time at Celtic. That is a brutally honest admission from a player who has had to watch too much of his Celtic career from the sidelines.

A title-winning moment, then a stop-start spell

Nobody should blame Osmand for being injured. Hamstring and ankle problems are hard enough for any young player to manage, and he has spoken openly about how difficult the setbacks have been. Celtic supporters will want to see him fit, confident and able to build on the promise he has shown.

His return against Benfica was encouraging. Osmand brought energy after coming off the bench, even though he did not take one good chance that came his way. The important point was that he was back on the pitch and involved again. But one appearance cannot erase the uncertainty created by a long, stop-start spell.

A new role and a crowded forward line

Osmand also discussed being used on the left, a position he has rarely played. He is willing to help wherever the manager needs him, but adapting to a new role while working back to full fitness is another challenge. Celtic need to give him time to settle and judge him on what he can do when he is fit and playing regularly.

There is competition for places. Osmand named Kasper Høgh, Camilo Duran and Shim Mheuka among the forwards pushing for minutes. Competition can sharpen a squad, but Celtic need more than names on a team sheet. They need reliable options who are available, understood by the manager and ready to contribute across a demanding season.

That brings us back to the bigger question: has Celtic built enough depth and balance in attack? Osmand’s injury problems are not an indictment of the player. They do, however, underline how quickly a squad can look short when injuries, adaptation and loss of form collide.

Celtic must make this count

Osmand has already shown that he can deliver a defining moment. Now he needs a clear run of fitness and the chance to develop. Celtic must handle that carefully, rather than place the weight of the club’s attacking problems on a 20-year-old who is still trying to get his career moving.

His honesty gives supporters a glimpse of the frustration behind the scenes. The hope is that this latest return becomes the start of a proper run, not another brief appearance followed by another spell out. Celtic need Osmand fit, confident and playing. The club’s task is to create the conditions for that to happen.