Excellent insight from Callum Osmand’s youth coach at Fulham

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·03 de julho de 2025

Excellent insight from Callum Osmand’s youth coach at Fulham

At Celtic, it’s not a regular occurrence for a young player to arrive at a club with no senior minutes under his belt, yet a quiet confidence builds around Callum Osmand it seems…

Callum Osmand signs for Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

But such is the buzz surrounding new Celtic signing Callum Osmand – a striker whose journey from Fulham’s academy to the Celtic first team squad, is already being spoken of in glowing terms by those who know him best.

Vídeos OneFootball

Tom Hounsell, now a coach at Wycombe Wanderers, worked closely with Osmand during his developmental years at Fulham, and speaking to The Celtic Way’s Tony Haggerty, he painted a vivid picture of a player whose hunger, adaptability and raw talent could very well endear him to the Celtic support.

“I was his coach at the under-15 level, and he was a winger to trade,” Hounsell revealed. “He converted into a striker and became an out-and-out number nine as he scored loads of goals.”

Callum Osmand signs for Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

It’s a switch that has defined Osmand’s trajectory. Hounsell describes the transition as natural – a move that saw the youngster flourish with a striker’s instinct and an eye for goal. “Callum has all the attributes to have a real impact at Celtic.”

The hallmark of Osmand’s development has been his willingness to learn and evolve. Many young talents show promise, but not all possess the mindset to refine and enhance their craft. That, Hounsell believes, is where Osmand stands apart.

“He was eager to learn and improve, and he worked on that element of his game in order to better understand the role and profile of the centre-forward a little bit more. He has a superb work rate and his attitude to training is first class. He is the consummate professional, and he genuinely wants to hone his craft every day.”

London, England, 16th May 2024. Callum Osmand of Fulham celebrates his third goal with the match ball during the Premier League Cup match at Craven Cottage. Photo : David Klein Sportimage

But this isn’t just a story of technical development. Osmand, it seems, brings a grit and edge to his game that will sit well with the Celtic support – a tenacity that thrives in combat and competition.

“Callum also possesses a ruthless streak in him as well. He loves competition, and he is at home when he is duelling against centre-backs… He likes to pit his wits against no-nonsense defenders.”

He’s no show pony either. In an age where many young forwards shy away from making selfless, incisive runs, Osmand bucks the trend. Hounsell noted: “He has clever movement along the top line. Fewer young players nowadays are prepared to do that, and make those runs in behind, but Callum will do that unselfishly for the team and create space for others.”

Callum Osmand of Fulham U21, U 21 scores the teams 1st goal during the U21 Premier League Cup final match between Fulham U21 and Tottenham Hotspur U21 at Craven Cottage, London, England on 16 May 2024. Photo Andy Rowlandx PMI

His performance in Fulham’s 4–0 win in the Premier League Cup final – where he bagged a perfect hat-trick – may well have been the catalyst for Celtic’s interest. Hounsell confirms the match caught the attention of several clubs. “That Premier League cup final was a great game for Callum… It was no surprise to me to see him score a perfect hat-trick.”

And it wasn’t down to luck. “He has worked hard on his heading ability as well as his left and right foot finishes,” said Hounsell. “The final was just a nice reward for Callum as he has dedicated a lot of time and effort into his craft.”

London, England, 16th May 2024. Callum Osmand of Fulham celebrates his three goal with the trophy during the Premier League Cup match at Craven Cottage, London. Photo David Klein / Sportimage

It’s clear Osmand could have chosen to stick around in the Premier League system, but the 18-year-old chose a different route — one that has already served the likes of Moussa Dembele, Patrick Roberts, and Matt O’Riley well. For Hounsell, that boldness speaks volumes.

“It is really difficult in the EPL system for youngsters to break into their respective first teams, even with clubs like Fulham… He has decided that he wants to take on a different challenge, and he has done that by moving to a massive football club like Celtic and going to a new country. I take my hat off to him for that. It also gives you an indication of his own self-belief.”

Self-belief, yes, but with a level-headedness that bodes well. Hounsell asks fans not to judge too quickly. “Callum is one of those players who can get supporters off their seats. The directness and speed with which he plays may be an eye-opener to some of the Celtic fans.”

The pressure will be high — especially as a young striker expected to deliver goals — but according to Hounsell, Osmand thrives under it.

Callum Osmand signs for Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

“Callum has a feistiness and intensity about his game… He placed pressure upon himself over the years to score goals and meet individual goals and targets. Callum carries himself with enough self-belief, and working at Celtic under Rodgers should be the perfect environment for him to kick on.”

And if he can follow in the footsteps of those former Fulham-to-Celtic trailblazers?

“Callum will be in really good company if he can mirror some of that success,” Hounsell said. “It is also nice to have those aspirations and understand that, having joined Celtic, he will continue to thrive in an environment that helps develop young players.”

Celtic, with one Champions League qualifier to navigate, may find themselves thrusting Osmand into European action sooner rather than later — a tantalising prospect.

“Celtic is a massive football club, and there will be huge pressure, but it also comes with exciting opportunities,” Hounsell concluded. “I can see why Callum made the move, and hopefully, it is a nice fit for both the player and the club.”

From Craven Cottage to Celtic Park, Callum Osmand’s next chapter is just beginning. If Hounsell’s insights are anything to go by, it could be one that lives long in the memory.

Niall J

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