Report: Karamoko Dembele embroiled in international team tug-of-war

By John McGinley

March 25, 2020

Celtic youngster Karamoko Dembele is embroiled in a tug-of-war between the English FA and Scottish FA, both of whom want him to pledge his international future to their national teams, The Mirror report.

England are eager to see the player progress through their youth sides, building on his performances up to the U17 age group.

However, also eligible to play for Scotland, it’s said by The Mirror that the SFA haven’t given up on pursuing his talents having also played for Tartan Army at U17 age level.

The player is also eligible for the Ivory Coast, meaning he has some big and important decisions ahead.

The English set-up would likely give him access to the best coaches and better players of the three countries, but could also limit his playing time which is so important when progressing as a young player.

Obviously he will not be locked into appearing for any country until he makes a competitive appearance for one of the three countries, which right now appears to be a long way away.

The teenager right now is focused on breaking into Neil Lennon’s team on a regular basis having made three substitute appearances over the last 12 months.

Celtic youngster Karamoko Dembele / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Earlier this month Dembele spoke about his happiness with Lennon and the interest that the manager is showing in the club’s development sides, telling The Celtic View (04/03 print edition, page 41): “The fact that we know Neil Lennon is invested in the Academy is great for us, and we know that if we work hard, there’s always a chance we’ll get an opportunity to go and play with the first team.

“Nothing is a given though, we need to work hard all the time, and that’s what we always intend to do as a team.”

Hopefully we see him shine in the Hoops on a regular basis when football returns from its current suspension.