NEIL LENNON has commented on the progress of Karamoko Dembele after reports claim the winger will leave in the summer once his deal is up.
Apart from a couple of cameos, the youngster has not managed to make the first team breakthrough many thought he would this term.
There’s a real possibility Celtic lose this major talent due to not being able to offer him the progress he needs. He might not be ready for the first team but the reserves and youth system is not stimulating or rewarding for the kids. Sporadic games and nothing really competitive means talents can be stifled.
Speaking about Karamoko to the Glasgow Times, Neil Lennon wanted to temper expectations after the media eye hit Karamoko at an early age:
“Karamoko is 17 and he had a lot of attention when he was younger, but he is just making steady progress with the development side.
“It is difficult for the kids because there is no real games programme for them this year and we have had to try and find games for them sporadically.
“We just have to be careful with him and not throw him in too early.
“We have to be patient, we know he is a quality player, but, physically, he still has a bit of development to do to be part of the first-team squad.”
From the sound of things, Karamoko isn’t likely to get much game time this season and because of that, we will lose him for a nominal training fee in the summer.
