Dembele steps up his recovery from injury

Karamoko Dembele has taken another step on the road to full fitness with an appearance for England’s u-17 side in a 1-0 defeat from Germany at the Pinatar Arena in Spain. On Thursday the same sides played out a 3-3 draw with Celtic goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi saving a penalty for England.

Dembele has been hampered by injury this season but has made scoring appearances as a substitute for Celtic’s reserve side against Morton and Albion Rovers.

Although he has played for Scotland’s youth sides Dembele has been a regular for England over the last two years, mixing with the best prospects from the English academy set up and starting both matches against the German u-17 side.

On Monday England complete their visit to the Pintar Arena with a match against Spain before the players return to their clubs. Dembele’s next Celtic action is scheduled for October 22 when Tommy McIntyre’s side travel to Dunfermline in the Reserve Cup.

Neil Lennon is believed to be keen to integrate Dembele into his first team plans.