Osmand Aims to Emulate Maeda's Success at Celtic

Callum Osmand, the 20-year-old winger, is setting high aspirations for his career at Celtic, drawing inspiration from former teammate Daizen Maeda. Maeda, who achieved legendary status at Parkhead over four seasons for his stamina and commitment, has moved on to Ipswich, but maintains close contact with Osmand.

Osmand views Maeda as a primary influence, with whom he frequently communicates. "He messages me a lot to be fair," Osmand stated. "Every time I score he'll message me or every time he scores or does something I'll give him a message. He's a really nice guy so he would be one that I would like to mould it off - his running, his running power and his runs in behind. That is something I admire so that would be someone who I would base it off."

Osmand acknowledged the significant void left by Maeda's departure. "It is a big hole to fill for him. He offered a lot to the club and a lot to that position and across the striker position he was brilliant. Like the last seven games, I think he scored in every one. He's been amazing so it's hard to replicate what he brought."

Despite a career at Celtic hampered by injuries, Osmand has made a notable impact in his eight appearances since joining from Fulham last year. He scored a header in the League Cup semi-final against Rangers and found the net again shortly after returning from a hamstring injury to help Celtic clinch the title. His recent performance against Hearts, where he scored twice, has cemented a growing reputation as a player who delivers on significant occasions.

Osmand expressed his satisfaction with this perception but also his desire to be recognized for consistent performance. "I'm happy that you said," he replied. "Because that's a good thing at the end of the day. But I don't want to be known as just for the big occasions. I just want to be playing, make sure I'm injury-free. That is the goal now so I can keep playing and at least be available to give what I can give. That would be the goal, to try and do it week in, week out."

The periods of sidelined recovery, though difficult, proved beneficial for Osmand's personal development and understanding of the club. "It did make a big impact, but it did benefit me in ways," he explained. "I learned more about myself and about the club, so I think that put me in a good place to come back into and know more of the environment and what's expected. I attended pretty much every single home game that I could go to so I was a fan for almost eight months. You sort of understand the expectations and what people want and what they want to see."

Osmand's playing philosophy is geared towards proactive and impactful contributions. "When I play I try to do as much as I can to be attacking-minded and go and make stuff happen. I feel like you sort of feel it when you do something well, the crowd, you feel it lift you as well. I like that feeling so that's what I try and strive for."