Jeremie Frimpong’s debut couldn’t have gone much better last week, and Celtic coach John Kennedy has claimed that everyone has been impressed with him.
Frimpong made his first Hoops appearance in the 5-0 rout of Partick Thistle last Wednesday. He was a constant threat with his driving runs down the right. As well as that, he didn’t look overawed by the occasion, and looked comfortable in the famous Parkhead arena.
Of course, it was just a start. With Moritz Bauer and Hatem Abd Elhamed ahead of him, it could be a long wait before Frimpong gets another opportunity.
However, speaking in the Celtic View (Volume 55, Issue 13, Page 08), Kennedy claimed the club has been very impressed with what Frimpong has shown so far.
“He’s been excellent. He’s a young player who will improve and develop all the time and get used to how we work. His first game will be one that we remember and is one that we were very pleased with.
“We’ve seen what he has to offer in training and in terms of how we play. He’s a modern-day full-back and ticks so many of those boxes. His speed and intensity is good, he can defend in one-v-one scenarios and he can get forward.
“He has a very bright future if he keeps working hard. It’s our job to keep developing him and making him better. When the time comes and the manager chooses to stick him in, I’m sure he’ll have more of those performances because he’s a talented player.”
Frimpong still training with the first-team
Despite initially looking like being a development player, Frimpong has been training with the first-team for some time now. As recently as yesterday, he was seen in Celtic’s Media Day video on YouTube still taking part in first-team duties.
It’s interesting to see that Frimpong hasn’t dropped back down with Tommy McIntyre and Stephen McManus. And, taking into account Moritz Bauer’s ankle knock, it could be the case that Frimpong gets a spot on the bench against Cluj tonight.
Celtic are clearly delighted with what the former Manchester City man has shown so far. There’s plenty of potential there, although supporters won’t be getting carried away with one good performance against the side who were bottom of the Championship in Partick Thistle.
At just 18, there’s most definitely no rush. It’s absolutely vital that Celtic keep him grounded as well as motivated. But judging by his own comments in this week’s Celtic View (page 23), it’s clear he understands patience will be required. You can read our own story on that here.
Bauer’s injury may be the chance Frimpong needs to get further first-team minutes. But you have to imagine it’s only temporary. Both Bauer and Elhamed have impressed too much to drop out of first-team contention.
For now, however, Frimpong can be delighted with everyone’s first impressions of him.
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