Celtic wonder-kid Karamoko Dembele has reportedly been struck with a foot injury ahead of a big opportunity tonight.
The Hoops under-21s take on Queen’s Park in the first round of the humorously-named Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup. The youngsters will face Queen’s tonight in Airdrie.
But, unfortunately, despite being penned in for the match, Dembele has apparently suffered a foot injury according to the Scottish Sun. The clash with the League Two outfit would’ve been a terrific opportunity to impress. The likes of Armstrong Oko-Flex, Barry Coffey, and Jack Aitchison will also be looking to strut their stuff
Tommy McIntyre, Celtic’s development coach, hasn’t officially confirmed the injury. Hopefully, however, it’s nothing too serious and Dembele will be back for the second round should we make it.
Dembele has yet to feature for the first-team this season after making his debut against Hearts back in May. The winger wowed Hoops fans with his array of talent. How he didn’t score his first Celtic goal against the Jambos is anyone’s guess.
When will we see Karamoko Dembele in the first team again?
It was fun seeing him with the senior squad last season. His debut was mightily impressive, and Dembele showed he’s going to be an incredible Celtic player in future years.
But it’s also important to remember his age. At 16-years, he still has plenty to learn. He also still has plenty of personal growth to come too. Even though he impressed, there’s no denying some of the tougher Scottish Premiership defences could really do him damage just now.
Dembele’s spell in the first-team was brief, and so it should’ve been. We’ll hopefully see him once again this year before the season is out. But it’s important to give the wide-man time to grow and develop as a man first and foremost.
A breakthrough into the senior side for regular football still doesn’t seem like it’ll come this season. In time, however, he’s going to be an absolute star at Parkhead.
Meanwhile, tonight’s game between Queen’s Park and Celtic under-21s is open to the public. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. The game takes place at Airdrie’s Penny Cars Stadium at 7:45 (Celticfc.net).
It’ll be interesting to see just who comes out of the contest shining.
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