With every Celtic reserve match there is one name that fans are looking out for.
Hatem Abd Elhamed returned from three months out to face Hibs today, he was joined by Ismaila Soro and Patryk Klimala but Karamoko Dembele is the player that attracts the attention.
Tommy McIntyre’s side didn’t disappoint, neither did Karamoko with two goals in a 4-0 victory to take Celtic into the Reserve Cup Final against Aberdeen.
Last week Karamoko turned 17, already he has three first team appearances to his name but with the SPFL Premiership table opening up favourably he could be in line for a starting slot before this campaign is over.
Neil Lennon threw him on for his debut last season against Hearts. An impressive 45 minutes earned him a place on the bench for the Scottish Cup Final the following week.
The step into the first team is the toughest to achieve. Karamoko has more expectations on his shoulders than any other prospect at the club.
Winning trophies is Lennon’s KPI but delivering on the promise of the 17-year-old England youth star will be a massive feather in the cap of the Celtic boss.
Announce dembele on sunday pls x
— Brian (@brianso21) February 24, 2020
Needs a run in the first team
— gary mac (@garyjohnmcnally) February 24, 2020
65’ – KARAMOKO, AGAIN! ?@kdembele_10 with a tremendous goal! He drives past a number of @HibernianFC players before curling in his second of the day ?
CEL 4??-1?? HIB pic.twitter.com/vmm59zzONG
— Celtic FC Academy (@CelticFCAcademy) February 24, 2020
The first team is beckoning
— Conor Shepherd (@ConorShepherd3) February 24, 2020
Drives by a number of players. Too many to count, love it!
— Big Kev (@bawbaggins) February 24, 2020
Should be in first team
— @CelticBhoy1888 (@Celt_Bhoy1888) February 24, 2020
Yesterday for instance we had 3 defensive players in bench so why not put dembele in it and give him 15 minutes or so
— steven (@Beaumontbhoy) February 24, 2020