Callum McGregor says young strikers Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand can “take on the world” with newfound confidence after being thrust into the Celtic spotlight.
Irishman Kenny, who recently got his chance due to injuries to Daizen Maeda and Kelechi Iheanacho, scored a brace in a 4-0 win over Falkirk in midweek and then headed the opener in a 3-1 Premier Sports Cup semi-final win over Rangers on Sunday.
Osmand, 19, completed Hampden's extra-time win with his first goal for the club as Celtic, under caretaker coaches Martin O'Neill and Sean Maloney, set up the final against St Mirren.
McGregor, who shone in Celtic's second match against Rangers, said of Kenny and Osmand: “There's always an opportunity for every player when they come.
“They work so hard to develop and reach the level of first team players.
“Johnny scores two goals in a week and you know, if you've been around football for a long time, I just knew he was going to make an impact on Sunday.
“He's now moved up another level in terms of status by scoring against Rangers, so he'll be full of confidence, just like young Ossie.
“There have been times when he has been out of the squad, but he is a player who trains very hard every day and also performs well, so he will continue to develop and the strikers can go out and take on the world with confidence.”
McGregor is enjoying working under the new management team of O'Neill, Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus.
He said: “This is a collective effort, always has been and always will be.
“The staff behind the manager have been very good this week, they just have such continuity of messaging and level of training, it all comes together.
“A coach can’t do it alone, he needs his staff just like the players can’t do it alone. So it’s a real team effort and I’m really proud of that over the last week.”
