There has been a lot of debate as to who is running the tactical ship at Celtic: Martin O’Neill or Shaun Maloney.

Whoever it might be, with sections of the Celtic fanbase thinking it’s Maloney, they are doing everything they can to inject huge ‘belief’ into the veins of Callum Osmand.

Callum Osmand praises Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney ‘belief’ at Celtic

Osmand has had a few injury issues during his time at Celtic, but the support has always been there behind the scenes.

The 20-year-old told CelticPlayer that during his injury spell on the sidelines, including for several months last season, the likes of O’Neill and Maloney were ‘always asking for updates.’

But during that period and since then, the Celtic coaching staff have been urging Osmand to play his natural game for the champions of Scotland.

“They talk to me a lot,” shared Osmand. “They tell me how much belief they have in me. They tell me to ‘Go and play my game’ when I play and to ‘not have any fear.’

“I think it’s what I strive to do. They have been brilliant with me. When I was injured as well, they were always asking for updates and how I was getting on. It is a good feeling to know you have that behind you. Hopefully, we can keep doing well.”

Osmand is a future Celtic striker

O’Neill and Maloney won’t be at Celtic next season, but it’s quite clear that they prefer a certain striker, and Osmand doesn’t fit that mould so far.

That’s why the aspiring England international plays on the left flank, but you sense this should just be on a temporary basis.

Osmand is a natural striker; many of the things- his movement, finishing ability and instincts suggest that he should play that role in the near future.

Not only that, he has already produced some great moments for the Hoops, including scoring as Celtic won the title on the final day against Hearts.