03-07-2025
The 'eye opening' reason Callum Osmand will get Celtic fans off their seats as mentor left in no doubt
The young attacker has swapped EPL outfit Fulham for a crack at trophies and Champions League football at Parkhead
Callum Osmand has become the latest Fulham academy graduate to swap Craven Cottage for Celtic.
And his former guru insists he has all the tools in his locker to succeed under Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead just like predecessors Moussa Dembele, Matt O'Riley and Patrick Roberts.
The 19-year-old has penned a long-term deal with the Scottish champions as he looks to make his stamp in senior football.
A switch to Scotland from the English Premier League outfit opens up the shot at regular trophies and Champions League football and for his former U-21s coach, Tom Hounsell, believes the youngster will excite fans and get bums off seats with his playing style.
He reckons two key characteristics he possesses may be an 'eye-opener' to the Hoops faithful - but he is certain that he will score goals.
Speaking to the Celtic Way, he explained: "It is really difficult in the EPL system for youngsters to break into their respective first teams, even with clubs like Fulham, where Callum invested a lot of years.
"He has decided that he wants to take on a different challenge, and he has done that by moving to a massive football club like Celtic and going to a new country. I take my hat off to him for that. It also gives you an indication of his own self-belief.
"In all of these moments, it is interesting to see how these young players step up and transition. He has all the tools in his toolbox to be a success, and Celtic should be a nice fit for Callum. The style of play that Celtic have and working alongside Brendan Rodgers and the coaching staff, on the outside looking in, it seems to be a win-win for Callum.
"Callum is one of those players who can get supporters off their seats. The directness and speed with which he plays may be an eye-opener to some of the Celtic fans.
"He will be a constant and real threat to defences, and he will cause problems for them. He will create many moments that will be memorable, and I hope he gets the opportunity and the rewards for making the move to Celtic. I pray that he makes a success of it.
"As a young player, it is probably harder for Callum as he is going to be judged on his ability to score goals, and that can sometimes come with added pressure. I think it's his mindset that sets him apart from the rest, and he will know that he has to grasp those opportunities when they come, but this is a player who I know can and will score goals.
I think this is very much Celtic's gain. He will enjoy having that kind of pressure of winning every game. He placed pressure upon himself over the years to score goals and meet individual goals and targets.
"Callum carries himself with enough self-belief, and working at Celtic under Rodgers should be the perfect environment for him to kick on."
