Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou praised Karamoko Dembele after the teenager scored in the 2-1 friendly win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
The 18-year-old has been around the first-team setup for quite some time but Postecoglou believes the winger is getting closer to making his breakthrough into the starting lineup:
“He is obviously a hugely talented boy. He has been here for a while and I guess he gets an opportunity now. I think the way we play will suit him. He was positive today, not just with the ball, he also worked hard without the ball. Yeah, I thought he did well.”
Supporters on Twitter are backing Dembele to be given more chances this season, although a few still have some doubts about the player:
Time to give the boy a chance and c wot he can bring to the team
— Ally (@Ally10781858) July 11, 2021
Criminal that James Forrest was ahead of him last season
— Ross Garvin (@rossgarvin) July 11, 2021
Needs to improve his first touch big time – exciting prospect though – good to see
— Stephen Pearson (@Stephen53704822) July 10, 2021
Get him playing games
— Aaron (@aaron_millsip) July 10, 2021
negative nelly, at least he actually SAID something about him
— Keep It Simple (@Ceeeeelticfc) July 10, 2021
Get him kept
— Shonnie MacKay (@Shonniebhoy) July 10, 2021
Dembele only made five appearances in all competitions last campaign, but he did get on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win over St Johnstone back in May.
He will be determined to kick on during pre-season and he should get more opportunities, with Postecoglou having already pointed out that he doesn’t have enough wingers in the senior squad.
Whether Dembele will be handed a start against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League qualifier next week, we shall have to wait and see.