Neil Lennon has confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong is a member of his first team squad.
The 18-year-old made his top team debut in the 5-0 win over Partick Thistle that earned Celtic a Betfred Cup semi-final tie against Hibs.
Frimpong was signed from Manchester City on transfer deadline day and went straight into last night’s match without any formal football this season.
The Dutch kid was one of eight changes that Lennon made to the side that beat Kilmarnock on Sunday with the hoops boss thrilled by the performance of his new right-back.
“I thought he was very good, very infectious,” Lennon told the Celtic website. “What you saw tonight is what we’re seeing in training. He took the opportunity to play tonight off the back of Moritz being out. I thought he was excellent. He can be delighted with his night’s work and it’s a good start.
“Frimpong is battling for a first-team place. As soon as we brought him in, he’s excelled. For a guy with a small stature he has lot of personality, energy and strength. We feel he could be a really good player here.”
Last night’s performance has provided Lennon with additional options for Saturday’s SPFL match away to Hibs.
Olivier Ntcham and Tom Rogic put in commanding performances in midfield while Vakoun Bayo showed that he is more than just a stand-in option for Odsonne Edouard.
Frimpong however was the player that caught the eye as he joins Hatem Abd Elhamed and Moritz Bauer competing for a game at right-back.
???? NL: “I thought @JeremieFrimpong was very good. Very infectious. What you seen tonight is what you get in training, I thought he was excellent. He should be delighted with his night’s work. It was a good start.” #CELPAR #BetfredCup
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 25, 2019
