Celtic ‘wonderkid’ Dembele tipped for senior role after what ex manager’s ‘heard’
Alex McLeish has tipped Celtic “wonderkid” Karamoko Dembele to play a regular role in the first-team squad under Ange Postecoglou.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Ange Postecoglou had big plans for the 18-year-old after what he had heard from the Australian manager.
Speaking to the Glasgow Times (July 10th), Postecoglou heralded Dembele as a “hugely talented boy” and revealed he had no fears bringing him into the senior setup despite his age.
The teenage winger scored in the Bhoys’ 2-1 friendly win over Charlton.
Postecoglou also claimed the way he wants Celtic to play will suit Dembele.
McLeish admitted Celtic fans could not pin all their hopes on the hot prospect.
However, he did suggest the youngster could get a taste of first-team action over the coming months.
“He’s still very, very young. He won’t have all the answers at this particular age,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“But if he breaks through as a wonderkid, it would be unusual at that level.
“He will have a part to play in the squad judging by the comments I’ve heard Postecoglou make.
“There is no doubt he’s had a wee impact as it stands at the moment.
“The thing is you don’t want to put too much pressure on a young guy at 18. You don’t want to be thinking this is a guy that’s going to win us the league and trouble everybody.
“I think the kid will have his own targets to reach. So far, he’s come through as an exceptional talent.”
Dembele has played eight times and scored one goal for Celtic’s senior side to date.
Five of those appearances came last season, although he is still yet to start a game.
In other news, pundit predicts Celtic have unearthed another Moussa Dembele as deal done.