Rodgers makes startling admission about 13-year-old Celtic wonderkid

By Alex Stephens

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that 13-year-old Celtic sensation Karamoko Dembele has trained with the first team, after making his debut for the Under-20s in October.

The youngster made headlines round the world when footage of him playing in the Development Squad was released.

Talking in an interview on the BBC website, Rodgers said, "I don't want to speak too much on it because the coverage isn't right for the boy.

"This is a 13-year-old kid who's a talented player. I'm aware of his talent and he's done a session with the first team, but at 13 years of age he needs to be left alone to develop. He's got a lot to learn and a lot to develop in his game.

"You have to be really careful, this kid doesn't need any more exposure... We'll have to wait and see, but in three or four years' time he could be playing for the first team."

Celtic striker Moussa Dembele confirmed that the team took it easy on his young namesake in the training session.

"We didn't want to kick him because he is still so small," said the older Dembele.

"He is a good talent but we have to wait and see how he will improve as a player."

Karamoko Dembele made his debut for Celtic Under-20s on October 3 when he came off the substitute's bench to play the last nine minutes in their 3-1 SPL Development League win over Hearts.

Dembele is said to have already caught the attention of some of the world’s biggest clubs but is understood to be settled with the Scottish giants.

The starlet is the shining star of the Hoops' academy and was voted Player of the Tournament at the St Kevin's Academy Cup.

In other Celtic team news, this star has trained after returning late from international duty.