Ange lays down his terms to Celtic’s contract ‘rebels’

Ange Postecoglou wants to see Ben Doak and Karamoko Dembele commit to Celtic. 

The teenagers are on the fringes of first team action but are both out of contract at the end of the season. 

Doak made the bench away to St Johnstone in December soon after turning 16 then came off the bench against Dundee United before sampling the closing minutes of the Glasgow derby. 

Last week he wasn’t included in the 20 strong squad that was listed against Bodo Glimt while Karamoko has yet to play this season after being injured in pre-season. 

Celtic could certainly do with additional options in the wide positions but commitment is two way as Postecoglou explained at the end of today’s media conference. 

 

It’s different situations. With Karamoko, he’s just been really unlucky with injuries. In pre-season, I was really looking forward to working with him. He was on the end of a tackle that really set him back. He’s worked really hard to get his fitness back, I just haven’t found the right game to give him his opportunity but he’ll get it before the end of the year absolutely. 

With him and Ben it’s about their futures and where they see their futures. This club is everything a young player would want, particularly at the moment. I really want to bring young players into our first-team and give them an opportunity, as we have already. 

But they’ve got to invest in this club, they’ve got to want to be here, and want to be here long-term. If they see their futures elsewhere, if they’re not certain, I have total respect for that but I’m going to invest time and opportunity into people who want to stay at our club. 

Whether they’re young guys or older guys, irrespective for me they’ve got to want to be here and see their future here for me to give them the opportunity. 

Karamoko will be in the squad tomorrow night. He’s missed a lot of football so I’m careful about when I put him in but he’ll get an opportunity. He’s an exciting young player and the way we play should suit him so hopefully he has an impact and helps us. 

Under Neil Lennon the development of young players was virtually non-existent with the January departure of Ewan Henderson to Hibs typical of talents denied the opportunity to progress. 

Against all odds Tony Ralston has shown this season what Academy players are capable of but with no pathway examples it is understandable why Doak and Karamoko have been reluctant so far to commit to Celtic.