“He wants to get a couple of DVDs of Henrik” – O’Neill’s Brilliant Reaction to Celtic Teen Hero

It was a night to remember at Hampden Park as Celtic booked their place in the Premier Sports Cup final with a pulsating 3–1 extra-time victory over Rangers.

The atmosphere was electric as Celtic produced a spirited, attacking display that evoked memories of O’Neill’s first spell in charge two decades ago.

Johnny Kenny’s first-half header gave Celtic the lead before Rangers were reduced to ten men after Thelo Aasgaard’s reckless challenge on Anthony Ralston. James Tavernier’s late penalty forced extra time, but the Hoops showed incredible resolve to finish the job, with Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand striking in extra time to send the holders through to face St Mirren on December 14.

And it was the 19-year-old Osmand, making just his second senior appearance, who stole the headlines, capping a dream week by scoring his first Celtic goal to seal victory in front of a jubilant green and white end.

After the match, O’Neill couldn’t hide his pride in the youngster, though, in true Martin fashion, he laced his praise with a touch of humour.

On Premier Sports, he said:

“Scored the goal.

“I think if we had not won the game and gone to penalties, remember he missed one before that?  Well, he might have been on the treatment table…

“But he’s very sharp. He’s honestly really good. I didn’t know anything about him until Monday, and I thought he was excellent.

“Just sometimes as a centre forward, you just have to get hold of the ball rather than flicking it all the time. So, he wants to get a couple of DVDs of Henrik.

“That might help. That would help. But he’s sharp and he’s got plenty of confidence, you know.

“He was arguing with everybody there at the end.”

It was a night that will live long in the memory for Callum Osmand, who didn’t get a sniff under Rodgers.

He’ll be looking to kick on form here.