Exciting Celtic wonderkid Karamoko Dembele has spoken out after netting a brace against Hibernian in the Reserve Cup semi-final yesterday.
Celtic overcame the young Hibees 4-1 at Lennoxtown yesterday afternoon, with Dembele netting goals number two and four. His first was a sensational effort from the edge of the box that rattled in off the crossbar. His second then came immediately after Hibs had pulled one back with a fine solo effort in the second 45.
Luca Connell and Patryk Klimala were also on the scoresheet yesterday in a fine outing for the reserves. Dembele’s goals, however, were once again the standout moments of another fine reserve win.
You can watch the goals for yourself by clicking here, with Celtic posting them on their official YouTube channel. Dembele also speaks in the video, as he reflects on a fine individual showing.
“It’s great for the boys to obviously beat them and get to the final. We obviously played well as well so that’s a positive. I’ve been waiting for that brace, but it’s nice to get two goals and help the team win.
“100% (first-team players coming in helps motivate the youngsters). I try to be a leader on the pitch in every aspect. Always try to get goals, press with the team, try to help the team win. Leading by example and coming down from the first-team as well is good for the reserve boys.
“It’s great (getting to the final). I’m looking forward to it.”
Dembele’s reserve performances won’t be going unnoticed
This isn’t the first time that Karamoko has caught the eye with the second-string. He may train regularly with the first-team, but he’s also playing consistently under Tommy McIntyre and Stephen McManus.
Dembele has featured and impressed in recent matches against Chelsea, Huddersfield Town, Rangers, and now Hibernian respectively. With Celtic often posting highlights of these matches on their YouTube pages, supporters aren’t unaware of his form.
Neil Lennon has shown plenty of faith in the youngster since being appointed a year ago. Dembele was given his debut by him against Hearts on trophy day last season. He then followed it up with a substitute appearance against Cluj in the Europa League two months ago.
Where his next opportunity will come is anyone’s guess. Despite his good form, Dembele remains in the reserve first-team line-ups for the time being. Even with the hectic schedule Celtic have had in playing 11 games since returning from the winter break, Dembele still hasn’t been given another outing.
Not that that’s a bad thing. Celtic are right to protect him and only field him when the manager feels he’s ready. A title is still there to be won, and it could be the case that Karamoko has to wait until nine-in-a-row is sealed before he makes another first-team appearance.
How impressed have you been by Dembele’s recent reserve displays? Do you think he should be given another first-team chance before the season is over? If so, when? Let us know in the discussion forum below.
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