CELTIC'S new teenage sensation Karamoko Dembele showed his potential when starring in the 2016 Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup in the summer as the Hoops clinched the U14 title at the Brandywell.
The talented 13-year-old Ivorian, dubbed ‘the new Messi’ remarkably made his debut for the Celtic U20 side as they recorded a 3-1 win over Hearts on Monday night. The diminutive playmaker got his chance when a number of regular development players were handed international call-ups and it’s clear the natural talent has a bright future.
Derry football fans got a taste of Dembele’s stunning potential and silky skills during the Foyle Cup Youth Football tournament in the summer as he played a key role in Celtic’s U14 victory. In the 1-0 win over Derry Colts in the final, Dembele stood out with his frightening pace and ability to run with the ball. Adam Mountgomery hit the headlines, with his strike winning the game for the Scottish giants, but it was Dembele’s name which was on the lips of those in attendance for his terrific contribution.
Celtic have vowed not to rush the development of 13-year-old Dembele after handing the gifted young playmaker his debut. Dembele had already created a stir on social media after footage emerged of his prodigious talent.
The youngster joined Celtic in July 2013 and has made waves inside their academy and outside it after footage of his skill against the likes of Barcelona during the St Kevin's Boys Academy Cup U13 tournament in Dublin emerged. He gained his latest promotion amid the absence of several players with the Scotland U19 squad, with 15-year-old Kieran McGrath also in action against Hearts.
And Celtic's head of youth Chris McCart promised to take care of the prospect's career progress: "We were all delighted to see Karamoko make his debut for the development squad last night against Hearts in what proved to be an entertaining game," he said.
"The fact that he was playing against other players seven years his senior gives an indication of the quality this young boy possesses and it was also fitting that he came on for Jack Aitchison, the club's youngest-ever goalscorer.
"What we need to remember, though, is that Karamoko is just 13-years-old. He was given a chance to play last night on merit, as was Kieran, but it is very important that we continue their development at a measured pace.
"Karamoko is still a young boy and has a lot of growing to do, both physically and mentally. The coaches at our U13 and 14 levels have been fantastic in nurturing his potential, but it is crucial that we do not push him too far, too soon.
"He has a lot of hard work ahead of him to make it to the top and we won't rush that, but we also know Karamoko, and the other talented young players we have here, is at the perfect place to continue his progress and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this young player."
