Karamoko Dembele made his professional Celtic debut last Sunday during the 2-1 win against Hearts at Celtic Park but John Hartson insists that it’s too early to get excited about the starlet.
Dembele, 16, came on as a half-time substitute and showed good levels of enthusiasm and creativity.
Former Celtic striker John Hartson has warned fans that it’s too early to get excited about the youngster, although he expects the midfielder to feature more often next season.
“Now, he is 16. We can’t get too excited about him, says a man with a column about him, because he’s really only starting out,” Hartson wrote in his column for the Glasgow Evening Times.
“But I can see him playing more first-team games next season. Lenny didn’t put him on as a gimmick. He deserved to be there.
“Dembele showed great maturity in his first 45 minutes of senior football. His team-mates were keen to get him on the ball because they know how good he is.”
OPINION
It’s hard not to get excited about Dembele. He was exciting last Sunday and every time he was in possession he looked like he was capable of doing something. It would be good for Lennon to give him a taste of what it’s like to be involved in such a big game and he has the chance to do so against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final on May 25. He is only 16-years-old and has got plenty of time to develop and become a regular member of the Celtic squad. Hartson is right though, it’s very early days and he’s only just starting out in the professional game. The most important thing for Dembele right now is to stay grounded and try to not let all the hype affect his game and thinking – he is expected to go on to achieve huge things and this pressure could have a negative impact.