KARAMOKO DEMBELE has spoken about making the step up to first team training this season with the youngster getting to train under Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon this term.
Karamoko, 16, could make his competitive debut for Celtic on Sunday if Neil Lennon things the youngster is ready to sample first team football. The young star also singled out two players who have helped him this season when he’s trained with the big bhoys.
Speaking to the Celtic View the player is enjoying the call-up and is ready if first team football comes his way on Sunday.
“It’s good to be in that environment and experience it, because it’ll help me get used to the demands of first-team football and know what to expect.
“Getting used to men’s football will take time.
“It’s a big step up and I’m happy to get that experience now, because it means I won’t feel so uncomfortable around it.
“The squad have been really good with me. Olivier Ntcham and Timothy Weah have been great with me during those sessions.
“If I made my debut with the first team before the end of the season, that would be amazing.
“Training with the first team has helped me learn so much. You can learn something from every one of the players and coaches.”
Weah now no longer with the squad after Neil Lennon let the American leave early to go prepare for the under 20 World Cup with his country.
Dembele is a fantastic talent but he also needs to be managed well as he comes up in the game. A cameo appearance might be a reward for his hard work this season but Lennon should be cautious about when he’s introduced to the support.
Three stray passes in one game and people will try and write the youngster off.
Celtic take on Hearts with a number of positions to fill with the news Celtic will be without up to five players on Sunday.
