NEW Bhoy Moussa Dembele is convinced he and Leigh Griffiths have already struck up a striking partnership.
Last season’s 40-goal frontman scored twice in the 2-1 midweek win over Slovenian champions Olimpija Ljubljana in the French youngster’s first appearance for the Hoops.
Dembele said: “Leigh is a very clever player and he understands how I play. We played as if we already knew each other, so that is also good for the team.
“From the moment we trained together, we felt we knew each other’s game.”
Brendan Rodgers said: “Moussa looked very sharp the other night. I think you can see his qualities. He is 19 years of age, he has a wonderful presence up there, has wonderful touch, speed and comes into clever spaces, as well.
“He also creates other opportunities for Leigh Griffiths. He creates the space and gives him freedom to move.
“I thought Moussa was very good considering he’s only linked up with the team during the week.”
Dembele has settled in well to the training camp in Slovenia. He will play against Maribor tonight and hopes to get start on Tuesday in his new club’s Champions League qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar.
The former Fulham forward, who netted 17 goals in the Championship last season, said: “I am feeling good. Against Ljubljana, I felt I could have gone on a bit more than 63 minutes, so it feels good for me and for the team.
“I had a lot of interest in me across Europe, but I have chosen Celtic and I am happy with that. I was very lucky, but I have made my decision, and now I want to focus on Celtic.
“I’m still young. I feel this is a big club and that I can progress here and go forward. I think Celtic can improve me as a player.
“The fans at this club are important and I like to play in front of that kind of support. That’s why I feel happy to be at Celtic.”
Dembele added: “I watched the Champions League a lot as a kid. The game I remember the most was the Final in 2005 between Liverpool and AC Milan.
“As a kid, when you hear the Champions League music on TV, of course, you want to be there and be in the place of the players who are playing.
“Now I have the chance to do this at Celtic and, hopefully, we’ll qualify for the group stage.”
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Have you ordered your copy of the fantasy book that is driving the Zombies even more mental yet?
Once Upon a Time in the Kingdom of Govania is written by CQN poster MEA CULPA and tells the story of the two Govania clubs – one living and one dead (and we have the letter from UEFA to prove it!)
It is the funniest, most colorful wee book you will read all year. Illustrated by Cartuja, it takes us through the entire fiasco and you just won’t stop laughing.
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