“The Best Day of My Life” – Callum Osmand’s Brilliant Post-Match Interview

Teenage striker Callum Osmand was the hero for Celtic at Hampden Park, coming off the bench to score his first senior goal and seal a 3–1 extra-time win over Rangers that sent the holders into the League Cup final.

The 19-year-old summer signing capped off a dream week for both himself and interim boss Martin O’Neill, who was back in the Celtic dugout for the first time in 20 years. It was just Osmand’s second senior appearance, both coming under O’Neill, after he failed to feature under Brendan Rodgers earlier in the campaign.

The semi-final itself was a pulsating encounter, full of drama and controversy. Johnny Kenny put Celtic in front with a superb glancing header from Benjamin Nygren’s corner, before Rangers were reduced to ten men when Thelo Aasgaard was sent off for a reckless challenge on Anthony Ralston.

Celtic looked in control, but James Tavernier’s penalty five minutes from time levelled the game and forced extra time.

Then came the moment that changed Osmand’s life. With Celtic pressing for a winner, captain Callum McGregor thumped in a thunderous strike to restore the lead early in extra time. Minutes later, Osmand showed brilliant anticipation to pounce inside the box and score from close range.

After the match, the young striker could barely contain his emotion when speaking to Premier Sports, admitting it was the biggest moment of his life so far.

“From day one, he just spoke to me and said he thinks very highly of me. Staff think highly of me and that just gives you the boost you need really.

“Under both managers, they were both pushing me but Martin’s just given me that confidence when he’s come in and given me the trust really.

“That’s all you need from a manager. It only takes one person to believe in you and then push you on. Hopefully, this is just the start for me but obviously, I’ve got to keep building and pushing on.

“It feels amazing. Like I said, there’s no words to describe today.

“It’s going to be the craziest day of my life ever. There’s nothing that can really top this unless scoring against them in the final. This is the best day of my life.”

For a player who had been on the fringes all season, Osmand’s composure, confidence and energy stood out in a fiery semi-final.

With a final against St Mirren on December 14 now looming, O’Neill may have unearthed another gem at the perfect time and Celtic fans will be hoping this is only the beginning of Osmand’s story.