Martin O’Neill risk ‘won Celtic the league’ against Hearts after huge decision taken

Celtic fans have praised manager Martin O'Neill over one decision that helped to secure the Scottish Premiership title as they beat Hearts 3-1 in an incredible last-day showdown.

Celtic had to beat Hearts, who went into the day on top of the table by a single point, at Celtic Park to win the title themselves for an fifth consecutive year.

It was Derek McInnes' visitors who took the lead through Lawrence Shankland's first-half header, before Arne Engels equalised for Celtic from the penalty spot after a handball.

O'Neill, who has had two spells in charge of Celtic this season, reacted by bringing on former Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho at half-time, who had a positive impact on the Hoops' attacking play in the second half.

But it was a major risk that the Northern Irishman took that ultimately played a pivotal role in turning the match around.

Callum Osmand, who turned 20 earlier this year, had missed nearly seven months through a hamstring injury but was named on the bench for this crucial title showdown.

The forward was brought on for centre-back Auston Trusty on 73 minutes and instantly added another dimension to Celtic's attack.

But it was his run and subsequent cross that allowed Japan international Daizen Maeda to tap home on the cusp of second-half injury time and make it 2-1.

And as Hearts piled everybody forward in the closing stages, including goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, Osmand ran clear and scored into an empty net to net only his second senior goal and his first in the Scottish Premiership.

🍀 Goal STANDS!

After a VAR check for offside, Celtic take a late lead over Hearts through Daizen Maeda. Now, as it stands, they’ll be champions! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/apMfVwfQjX

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 16, 2026

And Celtic fans have heaped praise on their manager for deciding to take what was ultimately a risk, given how long the youngster had been out of action, to bring Osmand on in an attempt to win the match.

"Huge call by Martin O'Neill putting Osmand on. Goal and assist. That's what you call a big sub," one fan wrote.

Another said: "Callum Osland. Daizen Maeda. Martin O'Neill. CELTIC HEROES!!!!"

A third added: "Callum Osmand, wow. MON has saved our season."

While a fourth simply stated: "Callum Osmand just won Celtic the league."

And a fifth said: "Martin O'Neill statue and no debating it."

'He's doing very well' - O'Neil on Osmand

Osmand joined Celtic in the summer from Premier League side Fulham, with the Hoops paying a development fee to bring the forward to Scotland.

He had initially broken into the first team at the end of Brendan Rodgers' time in charge, but the injury he suffered in a Europa League tie against Midtjylland had threatened to scupper his season.

To the surprise of many, O'Neill made the call to bring him on against Hearts, having told reporters last week: "Callum Osmand is doing very well. He has only played 45 minutes of a B team game but he's trained with us and is doing fine.

"At some stage, I want to try and find a place for him to at least make an impact coming on again."