CELTIC’S 13-year-old sensation Karamoko Dembele was described as “fantastic” after making his Scotland Under-16 debut in the 2-2 Victory Shield draw with Wales last night.
Head Coach Brian McLaughlin raved about the teenager after he had come on as a substitute in the 54th minute.
Dembele first hit the headlines when played seven minutes for the Hoops’ Under-20s side against Hearts last month and Under-16s boss McLaughlin said: “He was fantastic.
“You can’t get everyone on the pitch, which is a pity when their families are there to watch. But there were three players making their debuts and Karamoko was a part of it.
“He came on, he did well, he gave us a little bit of energy. He’s very, very brave on the ball and he loved the occasion.
“Tonight just felt like the right time to bring the young man on. It was a great learning experience for him.
“I’d have no fears about playing him in our last game against the Repubic of Ireland on Friday. The Irish will be a different test, but we have a squad of 22 and we are comfortable about using any of them. If it feels right, then they play.”
Dembele is also eligible to play for both England, where he was born, and the Ivory Coast, homeland of his parents, and will not be tied to any nation until he makes a competitive appearance for a senior side.
