Diminutive Karamoko dazzles for Celtic U-20

STANDING at half the height of the other players and with braces on his teeth, 13-year-old Karamoko Dembele made his debut for Scottish football team Celtic’s Under 20 development team this week.

His appearance on Monday night may have been only a nine-minute cameo in a 3-1 win over Hearts but a star was born.

The youngster was already an internet sensation following dazzling displays for Celtic’s schoolboy sides – skipping past Barcelona prodigies at the St Kevin’s Boys Academy Cup in Dublin, where he was Player of the Tournament.

With Karamoko flying down the wing, Celtic also won the prestigious Bassevelde Cup in Belgium last month.

Now he has won many more admirers and as Celtic’s official website report said, the diminutive playmaker did not look out of place.

Karamoko goes to St Ninian’s High in Kirkintilloch as part of Celtic’s Youth Academy’s partnership with the local school.

On Tuesday, Celtic’s Head of Youth, Chris McCart, said the club was delighted for Karamoko to make his debut but vowed his development would not be rushed.

“We were all delighted to see Karamoko make his debut against Hearts in what proved to be an entertaining game,” he said.

“The fact that he was playing against other players seven years his senior gives an indication of the quality this young boy possesses and it was also fitting that he came on for Jack Aitchison, the club’s youngest-ever goal scorer.

“What we need to remember, though, is that Karamoko is just 13 years old. He was given a chance to play last night on merit, but it is very important that we continue that development at a measured pace.

“Karamoko is still a young boy and has a lot of growing to do, both physically and mentally. The coaches at our Under-13 and 14 levels have been fantastic in nurturing his potential but it is crucial that we do not push him too far, too soon.

“He has a lot of hard work ahead of him to make it to the top and we won’t rush that, but we also know Karamoko, and the other talented young players we have here, is at the perfect place to continue his progress and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.” – Daily Mail

PICTURE: YOUTUBE Karamoko Dembele makes his debut for Celtic.