Karamoko Dembele made his return to Celtic first team action with a substitute appearance against St Mirren, as Celtic defeated the Paisley side on Wednesday night – and it was a welcome sight for the Celtic support as well as for Dembele who took to social media to convey his relief.
View this post on Instagram
It’s been a long wait for Dembele after suffering a long-term injury against Bristol City during the pre-season, however it was clear the manager at that stage saw a player in Karamoko who could play a big part in his style of play.
Few would argue with the manager on that one. There is no questioning his promise as a player, yet Dembele, who has more social media followers than the club itself is a strange enigma. On one hand he has a reputation as an entertaining footballer, yet bar the odd flash here and there, much of it to date, has been hype without the substance to back it up.
Now with a contract running down he’s starting, it seems, to be getting the opportunity Ange Postecoglou promised the player in his press conference prior to the game with St Mirren, however that promise came with a warning attached –
“I really want to bring young players into our first-team and give them an opportunity, as we have already. But they’ve got to invested in this club, they’ve got to want to be here, and want to be here long-term. If they see their futures elsewhere, if they’re not certain, I have total respect for that but I’m going to invest time and opportunity into people who want to stay at our club. Whether they’re young guys or older guys, irrespective for me they’ve got to want to be here and see their future here for me to give them the opportunity.”
“Karamoko will be in the squad tomorrow night. He’s missed a lot of football so I’m careful about when I put him in but he’ll get an opportunity. He’s an exciting young player and the way we play should suit him so hopefully he has an impact and helps us.”
Dembele backs his own ability, noted by his apparent visit to Neil Lennon’s office after Celtic drew at Kilmarnock in the opening weeks of last season, where seeing Celtic huff and puff he demanded consistent gametime from the manager. It’s alleged the player was sent on his way with a flee in his ear and he was rarely seen after that, however, as brash an attitude as that may be read, it also indicates an unwavering confidence in his own ability.
Now Dembele finds himself at a crossroads. He’s been out the picture at Celtic a long time, the admiring glances from clubs who previously showed an interest is on the wane, and at Celtic, with six months of a deal remaining and no negotiations on a new one considered at present, time is running out to state his case as a footballer of note and one worth a new deal, rather than simply another young lad of potential.
Dembele got his opportunity on Wednesday night, he’s also been gently reminded by his manager that he has to commit to the cause. What better way then, to prove he’s as good as he believes he is, than impacting on the title-run in for Celtic and showing us all what he believes he has but hasn’t been able to evidence so far?
Opportunity has knocked for Karamoko Dembele this week, he may only have nine league games to prove he can live up to the hype.
Niall J
