Loan bhoy hoping that he has a Celtic future despite buy out clause

Osaze Urhoghide believes that he still has a Celtic future despite Oostende having a right to buy option in his loan move from Celtic. 

The defender was technically Ange Postecoglou’s first signing as Celtic boss but the groundwork for his July 1 move would have predated the appointment of the Australian. 

Urhoghide played at right-back or in central defence during Celtic’s pre-season matches but when the competitive fixtures came around he was unable to get off the bench. 

Pitched in to start against Real Betis in December he put in a very impressive display at right-back but with Tony Ralston and Josip Juranovic competing for that place further opportunities look very limited. 

Dundee and Morecombe were interested in taking the 21-year-old on loan but it was to Belgium- following the Jack Hendry route- that he opted for but with Celtic hopes still in his mind. 

Urhoghide told the Daily Record: 

I spoke with Ange before I left and he told me he still sees a future at Celtic for me. But right now, my focus is on Oostende. We will see what happens here and will review it in the summer and go from there. 

We wanted to wait and see how January played out first before making a decision but I didn’t play as much as I wanted so I spoke with the manager and he agreed with me. He sees potential in me but wants me to be playing more regular first-team football and develop even more. 

I had some other options to stay closer to home but going abroad will give me a new experience which I’ve never really had before and the Belgian league is of a very high quality. It’s a really good opportunity for me to impress here and develop myself and my career. 

I would say it’s the biggest step of my career so far. It’s not going to be easy here but I’m ready for the exciting challenge ahead and I’m looking to leave Oostende a better player. 

There’re a lot of different languages spoken here but I’ve settled in well and am really enjoying it so far. I made my debut at the weekend and played right wing-back and although that isn’t my normal position and I would prefer playing centre-back going forward, I’m still really enjoying playing football in a different country and embracing a different culture.  

I didn’t really play as much under Ange as I wanted to but I’ve been working really hard behind the scenes to try and get an opportunity. We both felt that I needed to play regular football to progress and work my way into the first-team as they’re flying at the moment and are looking really strong. However, I need to play and develop as well and moving away was the best option at this moment in time. 

It’s been really frustrating that I’ve not been able to showcase what I know I am capable of but that’s football at the end of the day. The manager has to pick a starting 11 and the rest need to fight for a place on the bench and unfortunately, I haven’t been picked often. It’s down to me to develop here at Oostende and hopefully I’ll be able to help Celtic more in the future. 

 Jack Hendry wasn’t the reason I came to Oostende to be honest but I know he done really well for himself here. I knew this was a good opportunity by a team who wanted me and it’s a really good league. It’s a new experience and I feel like I can offer something different to the team. 

I need to show that I can play at a high standard week in week out and develop my defending at centre-back as well. I’ve shown them every day on the training pitch that I’m more than capable but it’s time to show them that I can do the same during games on match days. 

Urhoghide is under contract with Celtic until May 2023. 

CLICK HERE for Oostende announce Urhoghide deal with right to buy option.