Sunday's performance against Hearts was the version of Celtic that the club's fans know and love. The Hoops knew there was an opportunity to increase their lead at the top of the table after the Rangers had dropped points last night.

At home, perhaps they were always going to be the favourites, despite the 4-1 defeat against Benfica in midweek. Even then, not many would have seen the 7-1 win coming against Hearts.

Firstly, that is because this Celtic team has not been in that kind of form. They have looked shaky and low on confidence. This display did not suggest either was the case.

Secondly, they were taking on a good Hearts side, who were five minutes away from winning the league title last season. And while they have not looked as good this season, they have still maintained a third spot on the table.

One of the key talking points coming out of the game against Hearts was the fitness status of Callum Osmand. The youngster had started the game and scored twice before half-time.

But then, he was taken off at half-time. Naturally, it led to concerns that Osmand, who has had his history of fitness issues, had picked up another one.

As it turns out, he does appear to have some sort of hamstring issue. Yet, it is not thought to be serious enough to keep him out of the match against Celta Vigo in midweek and the change was largely precautionary on the part of O'Neill.

As reported by the Daily Record, the manager said: “He had a hamstring problem at halftime. I’m not surprised really because he's not played that much.

“It was more precautionary than anything else.

“It’s just that I was worried. Tim the physiotherapist said just leave him out, and I think he would have said that even if it had been 0-0.

“I think he wanted to continue for a while, but I think he saw sense, and I think he should be okay for Thursday."

Osmand has been a bright spark for Celtic in recent games. Of course, he scored twice against Hearts. But at the same time, he was also one of the better performers against Benfica after coming on off the bench and perhaps should have scored on that night as well.

Overall, there has never been any doubt about Osmand's talent. He has always looked like a youngster who is destined to become a starter in the future.

The only problem has been regarding his fitness. If he can remain injury-free moving forward, the sky is the limit for the youngster.

Also, it looks like Osmand might be part of Celtic's strongest lineup right now. There has been all this talk about Kasper Hogh not doing enough up front, which can be solved by moving Camilo Duran to the middle and starting Haissem Hassan on the right.

The left flank remains an issue as well though. Sebastian Tounekti has not looked good enough for a long time. Jota is only returning from an 18-month injury absence. And Yang Hyun-jun is not available at the moment.

Amid all this, Osmand appears to have emerged as an option to start on that left flank. Something that was not expected, considering he is largely recognised as a striker. Celtic fans will have no complaints though at having stumbled across a quality solution.