Teenage right-back Jeremie Frimpong has made a startling start to life at Celtic. The 18-year-old – one of four big future youth signings made in the summer – has leapt onto the scene in recent months.
The Dutch defender may only have featured three times for Neil Lennon’s men but he’s already made a big impression with the Hoops faithful. His staggering confidence and fearlessness have been a real boost to everyone at the club, both on and off the pitch.
With that infectious positivity so endearing, we’re pondering who could be the next of the fabled four to break through into the first-team. Let’s take a look at the contenders.
Jonathan Afolabi
The 19-year-old former Southampton forward is yet to make a matchday squad at Celtic but he’s still made a good start to life in Glasgow. The Irishman has scored a number of neat goals for the development side and seems to be building a good relationship with the likes of Karamoko Dembele and Armstrong Oko-Flex.
Afolabi has had some injury worries in recent weeks but if he can get back to full fitness he shouldn’t be too far away from the odd first-team chance. Our lack of striking options have been well documented and, with Lennon unable to recruit until January, you wouldn’t be too surprised to see Afolabi play a match before the year is out.
Lee O’Connor
Fellow Irishman O’Connor also arrives with good pedigree from Stephen Kenny’s Ireland under-21s setup. Like his compatriot, O’Connor hasn’t earned a matchday call from Neil Lennon yet but you get the impression that he isn’t too far away.
Ironically, his problem may be his versatility. O’Connor can play right-back, centre-back and midfield so finding that one position may be a struggle.
Given Frimpong’s recent resurgence, you doubt we’d be looking for another right-back. However, that’s where he plays his international football.
Luca Connell
Connell has played for Celtic but only in a pre-season friendly against Rennes. He looked decent enough on that occasion but hasn’t featured since in a position loaded with real talent.
You get the impression that Connell is perhaps furthest down the pecking order at present. He seems to have been spending a lot of time in the gym in recent weeks. If he can work on his strength and come back in even better shape then he could soon push the likes of Scott Brown and Callum McGregor.
VERDICT – Closest to an appearance: Afolabi Most work to do: Connell
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