Bhoycie 
I couldn’t believe it when I heard it.
During yesterday’s live watchalong, one of my more knowledgeable viewers informed me that Callum Osmand was making his first professional start for Celtic against Hearts.
His first!
I could have sworn I’d seen the boy start a game before. That’s the impression he’d already made on me, and after watching him score twice in Celtic’s magnificent 7-1 demolition of Hearts, I suspect I’m not alone.
What a performance. What a statement.
But there’s something about Osmand that excites me even more than the goals.
It’s the complete absence of fear in his football.
Sometimes Experience Can Be Your Worst Enemy
I’ve watched Celtic players over the years who have become almost frightened of making mistakes.
You know the type of performance I’m talking about. Get the ball, look up, consider taking somebody on, then turn around and play the safe pass.
We’ve seen that from Tounekti.
I’m not suggesting for a second that he’s incapable of beating a defender or producing something special. However, there’s a noticeable difference between the way he approaches certain situations and the way Osmand does.
When Tounekti turns back, Osmand goes forward.
When Tounekti plays safe, Osmand takes his man on.
And when there’s a chance that something might go wrong, Osmand doesn’t appear particularly interested in worrying about it.
That’s the beauty of youth.
He hasn’t accumulated years of disappointment, criticism and mistakes to the point where those experiences start influencing every decision he makes.
Sometimes experience makes you a better footballer.
Other times, it can make you a more inhibited one.
The Blessing Of Footballing Naivety
Think about players like Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and our own Aiden McGeady when they first burst onto the scene.
I’m not comparing Osmand’s ability to theirs. That would be ridiculous at this stage.
What I’m comparing is the mentality.
Those young players approached football with a wonderful sense of freedom. They tried things, took risks and attacked defenders without spending half their time worrying about the consequences.
There was an almost reckless confidence about them.
Osmand has a bit of that.
He’s direct, aggressive and determined to make something happen whenever he gets possession.
There’s no apparent fear of failure.
What if I don’t beat my man, lose the ball and the supporters get frustrated?
Those questions don’t seem to occupy much space in his thinking.
Good.
Celtic need players who are prepared to take responsibility in attacking areas, particularly when we’re up against opponents who make life difficult.
That willingness to be brave is an absolute shot in the arm for this team.
Celtic Suddenly Have Options On The Left
I certainly didn’t have Callum Osmand down on my bingo card as somebody who would be making such an impact on Celtic’s left-hand side.
Yet here we are.
Jota is working his way back into the picture, and Yang’s return will provide further competition for places.
Suddenly, an area of the pitch that has caused frustration is looking considerably more interesting.
That’s a brilliant problem for Martin O’Neill to have.
Competition should bring the best out of everybody, and Osmand has thrown his name into the conversation in spectacular fashion.
Two goals against Hearts, a fearless attacking display and a performance that had Celtic supporters on their feet.
Not bad for a boy making what I was informed was his first professional start.
Was Half-Time A Clue About Thursday?
Now, here’s something I’ve been thinking about.
Osmand was replaced at half-time against Hearts, with Jota coming on for the second period.
Naturally, there are questions about whether the youngster had picked up a knock. His fitness will have to be assessed before Thursday.
But assuming he’s fit, I wonder whether Martin O’Neill has already seen enough.
Could that early withdrawal have been partly about protecting a player he now wants available for the Europa League meeting with Celta Vigo?
I’m not claiming that’s what happened. It’s simply my interpretation of the situation.
And I’ll tell you what I think.
Callum Osmand has earned himself a starting place on Thursday night.
Imagine that.
A young player producing two goals in his first professional start, then being handed the opportunity to perform under the Celtic Park lights on a European night.
What an achievement that would be.
Of course, the opposition will be stronger, the demands greater and the consequences of mistakes potentially more severe.
But that’s precisely why I’d be tempted to play him.
Because Osmand doesn’t appear to care about the possibility of failure.
He cares about getting forward, beating his opponent and making something happen.
We’ve spent enough time watching Celtic players hesitate.
Right now, we’ve got a young man who doesn’t seem to know how.
And perhaps that’s exactly what this Celtic team needs.
Callum Osmand has given Martin O’Neill a selection headache. For me, he’s also given him the answer.
He did well, showing the attacking mentality required for playing out wide – but he’s not a winger. Fair play to Duran for putting him in, something the wee man failed to do for him against Benfica which would have undoubtedly made it 3-2, and again yesterday when he and Nygren were clear through the middle waiting on a simple pass. Not raining on the boy’s parade here, but there is clearly some maturing to be done and some question on his decision making – things that get put back into the shade when you score in a rout. But hopefully he will be coached into the best he can be at Celtic, continuing to show the same drive and determination as well as the required attitude. Should be a definite start for the next fixture.