Jeremie Frimpong deserves Celtic final debut

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Celtic defender Jeremie Frimpong deserves a cup final debut against Rangers. The Glasgow divide will collide next month in the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden.

Frimpong was a surprise starter against Hibs on Saturday’s semi-final victory. Neil Lennon got the decision correct and should hand the Dutchman his Rangers and cup debut.

Jeremie Frimpong deserves Celtic and Rangers final debut

The 18-year-old is having a flyer since his League Cup debut against Partick Thistle at Celtic Park.

A league start against Ross County was also passed with flying colours, as was the Hibs semi-final.

Frimpong is fast becoming a fans’ favourite for his performances as well as his interviews with the press. He is a humble young man with the ability that will make any player rear their head and take note.

Fans will say Hatem Abd Elhamed is the first choice right-back at the club and the number one summer buy. However, Frimpong is now closely emerging as his immediate competitor for both statements.

There is no doubting that Elhamed is playing the big games in Europe, but that was all in stone before Frimpong’s emergence.

Unfortunately, the teen isn’t in the Europa League squad but did get to play his first biggie against Hibs. Lennon should reward his wonderkid by giving him his Rangers bow.

Rangers game will determine where Dutchman is

There will be some that will be apprehensive about giving Frimpong the well deserved Rangers debut. Fans will rightly point out that he is inexperienced and only played three games.

However, how is anyone supposed to see where he is at ability wise if he isn’t tried in a highly pressured game? The same question applied to other newbies such as Boli Bolingoli and Elhamed himself against Rangers at Ibrox.

Both passed with flying colours and are strong fan favourites.

Frimpong should be awarded his opportunity like his new teammates were too. If he buckles under the pressure early on, there is no doubt Elhamed will be on the bench to come in.

But, nobody knows yet how he will do, so let’s see if he will sink or swim. On his performances so far, he will win the gold medal by the end of the final.