Popular and respected Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes has made the revelation that Karamoko Dembele refused to go out on loan earlier this season when a similar move to the one Luca Connell just made when he left on loan to Queens Park.
There have been many criticisms of the club for not developing Dembele to this point and not getting him out on loan while the reserve set up is a shambles. It appears as if the Celtic tried to get Karamoko to go out and get the competitive game time but the player, himself, refused.
It’s somewhat of a revelation because many seen Karamoko as a humble, hard working lad who looked to be focused on getting into the Celtic first team. Something has changed in recent times.
Connell went on loan to Queens Park last week and went straight into the side, grabbing man of the match and setting up their second goal in a 3-0 win against Stranraer.
The point Paul makes on the podcast is Luca knows he can play in a better league and perhaps even thinks he’s good enough for a run in the Celtic side BUT with no opportunities this season, the former Bolton man has taken the decision to go out and get game time.
The ACSOM man talks about Dembele’s refusal to go out on loan as a very matter of fact when he was offered a lower league switch.
“A similar move was offered to Karamoko Dembele earlier this season” Paul told the SUNDAY MATCHDAY PODCCAST.
“Whereby it was a choice, you can play football or you basically sit and rot.
“Let’s think about it, the inertia that kicks into a young player, who’s maybe 17-18-years-old, who’s not playing games for six months some times”
“Go out and get some game time in your legs – Dembele refused because he looked at that move as being below him.
“Because he thinks he’s going to leave Celtic and go onto better things and we’re all going to be raving about him as a Champions League player sometime in the future.
“If he does, fair play to him, but I think we need to give a bit of praise to Connell, for taking on that challenge because he’s looked at that and thought ‘I’m going to get some game time here’. Which is better than sitting in your flat watching the games on a Saturday, surely it’s better for the player”
Queens Park are gearing up for a tilt up the Scottish Leagues, making big moves and paying full time wages to players who can certainly go at a higher level. They’re on course to get out of League two this term and Luca will now be part of that side.
It’s disappointing Karamoko turned down the game time but he probably already had his eye on the Celtic exit.
Paul and the ACSOM team are always great for some insight and are available Monday to Friday at 12:30 on the lunchtime bulletin.
Luca and Karamoke could of been established first team players this season .but Lennon did not give them a chance .Just bought cheap players to fill in the gaps . Dig a bit deeper next season .buy quality or dont buy at all.