THE JEREMIE SMILE SHOW

NEW BHOY’S LOVING IT WITH HOOPS

JEREMIE FRIMPONG’S post-match delivery was just as entertaining as his man-of-the-match display against Partick Thistle. After making his professional debut in a 5-0 win the 18-year-old full-back revealed why he decided to make a summer switch from Manchester City to Celtic – and it was all about stacking the odds in his favour. A combination of impatience and unshakable confidence fuelled his claim that he’s more than ready for regular starts in the Celtic first team. Since taking his leave from Pep Guardiola and the Etihad, Frimpong has plotted a new career path after receiving his first standing ovation in Paradise. He said: “It was amazing, a dream come true. It was my first professional game and it was amazing. The fans, oh my gosh, I love them already. It was just crazy, man. When I came off I could hear them all, it was just incredible.

“The manager told me I was starting two or three days beforehand, so I was focused on making a good impression.

“I was doing everything good and then today came and I played well so I have to keep that going.

“I work hard in training and that’s why I play football, to prove everyone wrong and show them what I’ve got.

“That’s what I have been doing, and I’m going to keep doing that.

“My goal was to play first-team games and take another step. I thought I was ready so I wanted to prove that to the manager.

“He gave me the chance against Thistle and hopefully I showed what I can do.

“I’m very grateful. It’s a dream come true to play for Celtic, the biggest club in Scotland, so it’s just amazing. Even when I found out I was coming here I was so happy.”

Frimpong’s progress at City was being stifled by a couple of right-back blockages in the shape of England international Kyle