Callum Osmand has barely begun his Celtic career, yet the 20-year-old is already carrying the expectations that come with following some of the club’s most celebrated modern stars.

And after his sensational two-goal performance in Celtic’s 7-1 demolition of Hearts, the youngster has revealed the remarkable influence of three former Hoops favourites — and the player whose extraordinary work rate he now hopes to emulate.

Following in the Footsteps of Celtic Heroes

Moussa Dembele, Patrick Roberts and Matt O’Riley all made the journey from Fulham to Celtic, establishing themselves as outstanding talents and collecting silverware along the way.

Osmand knows exactly what those names mean to Celtic supporters.

Speaking about their achievements, he admitted:

“If I could get even close to them, I’d be doing an amazing job.”

But perhaps the most fascinating revelation was that O’Riley personally helped him understand what awaited him in Glasgow.

“I did speak to Matt before coming up. He gave me a ring,” Osmand explained.

He added that O’Riley had told him about the intensity of life at Celtic, describing just how crazy things could become.

And when it came to Dembele, Osmand’s admiration was unmistakable.

“I’ve watched the majority of his goals in there. He was a joke.”

The Daizen Maeda Challenge

However, it is another Celtic favourite whose influence could prove particularly important.

Daizen Maeda’s relentless pressing, extraordinary stamina and intelligent movement made him one of Celtic’s most valuable attacking players.

Replacing those qualities is no straightforward task.

Yet Osmand revealed that he and Maeda regularly exchange messages.

“Every time I score he’ll message me or every time he scores or does something I’ll give him a message.”

The youngster also identified the specific qualities he hopes to develop.

“His running, his running power, and his runs in behind. That is something I admire.”

That is an encouraging admission from a player who clearly recognises that becoming a Celtic regular demands far more than scoring goals.

Celtic Have Something Special to Develop

Osmand’s brace against Hearts was remarkable enough. The fact that it came on his first senior start, following further hamstring problems, makes his emergence even more intriguing.

His versatility offers Martin O’Neill another attacking option, particularly with Celtic preparing for their European encounter against Celta Vigo.

But supporters should resist demanding too much, too quickly.

Osmand is still developing physically, building match fitness and learning the demands of senior football.

And he readily acknowledges the challenge of matching Maeda’s relentless running.

“That’s a big ask, you know?” he joked.

Nevertheless, there is something hugely encouraging about a youngster who studies Celtic’s former heroes, seeks advice from established professionals and understands the standards required.

Celtic have witnessed plenty of expensive attacking disappointments.

Perhaps one of their most exciting solutions has been developing right under their noses.

Osmand doesn’t need to become the next Dembele, Roberts, O’Riley or Maeda. If he continues developing, he has every opportunity to become the first Callum Osmand — and that could be exciting enough.