Callum Osmand compares Celtic managers as Hampden hero reveals what Martin O'Neill has given him since Brendan Rodgers exit
The former Fulham youngster wasn't seen under Rodgers but O'Neill has given him a chance the striker grabbed against Rangers
Callum Osmand has revealed that Martin O'Neill's trust in him since returning to Celtic is the major difference between life with and without Brendan Rodgers.
The summer signing from Fulham failed to feature under Rodgers since arriving in the summer.
But O'Neill put him straight into the squad for the midweek win over Falkirk, handing him a 15 minute cameo towards the end of the 4-0 win.
He was thrown into the fire of Sunday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final clash with Rangers five minutes after the break.
And he bagged his first Hoops goal in dream circumstances, sliding home to make it 3-1 in extra-time and book a place in the final against St Mirren.
Osmand conceded that Rodgers did push him to improve, but O'Neill actually giving him the chance to prove himself has sent his confidence soaring.
“From day one, he just spoke to me and said he thinks very highly of me," he said. "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.”
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