Okoflex, Dembele and Frimpong react on Instagram as Celtic youngster 'finally' gets game time

By John McGinley

March 21, 2021

Luca Connell’s debut for Queen’s Park on Saturday has gone down well with his peers at Celtic on Instagram.

The 19-year-old started his first competitive, senior match in Scotland yesterday at Hampden, helping the Scottish League Two leaders to a 3-0 victory over Stranraer.

He registered an assist and earned a man of the match award just two days after officially signing for the club on loan.

After being out of action for so long, it’s a great sign he is set for a period of fine form in the Scottish lower leagues.

Connell was clearly delighted with his match action, taking to Instagram last night to share his joy.

After working so hard as part of Celtic first-team training this season, this loan is an excellent chance for him to show he should be involved next term.

Current and former Celtic teammates are delighted for him too. A variety of young players took to the social media site to wish him well.

Armstrong Okoflex left the simple message of “Finally 👀🔥” in response, perhaps a reference to how long it’s taken for Connell to play since arriving at Celtic.

Okoflex is a Republic of Ireland youth teammate of Connell and will know better than most people what his skill set is.

Barry Coffey, another Ireland and Celtic comrade, stated: “All I see is a player 👀”

Karamoko Dembele said: “Good to see my guy playing 😍🔥”

Even Jeremie Frimpong, who is now playing in the Bundesliga, was ecstatic. He replied: “Yess love it💕”

Luca Connell is congratulated on Instagram / (@lucaconnell)

The futures of Okoflex and Dembele at Celtic remain in doubt. Neither have made a significant impact in the senior side and there’s a chance both could be moved on in the summer.

No doubt they also want to be playing regularly.

We’re excited to see Connell’s progress on loan over the next couple of months and will be providing regular updates on 67 Hail Hail.

In other news, Kieran Tierney has been speaking out on Celtic’s poor season and tipped John Kennedy to be manager.