Pint-sized Karamoko Dembele makes Celtic debut aged just 16 years and 86 days
The Hoops wonderkid was named in the matchday squad for the first time and came on just after half time in their 2-1 win over Hearts
KARAMOKO DEMBELE has made his long-awaited Celtic debut aged just 16 years and 86 days.
The Hoops wonderkid was named in the matchday squad for the first time for their 2-1 win over Hearts.
And he received rapturous applause as he replaced Oliver Burke at half-time, before making a big impact on the game.
He cut in from the right and set himself up for a long-range effort which narrowly floated wide of Zdenek Zlamal's far post.
Dembele was also on-hand to celebrate with 20-year-old midfielder Mikey Johnston who celebrated a late winner.
But he is not the youngest Hoop ever, that honour belongs to team-mate Jack Aitchison, who was 15 days younger when he made his bow.
He made headlines back in 2016 when he came on for Celtic's Under-20s aged just 13, a game that was also against Hearts.
And Celtic tied him down to a professional contract as soon as they could last year.
Dembele also played for Scotland's Under-16s at the age of 13, but England are hoping to get the Lambeth-born teen to commit to them.
He will also be able to play for Ivory Coast if he chooses.
The Hoops were without Scott Brown, Kieran Tierney, James Forrest, Tom Rogic, Odsonne Edouard and Jonny Hayes.
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Mikey Johnston fired the home side in front after just two minutes.
However, Jake Mulraney pulled level after an error at the back from Scott Bain.
Johnston then netted his second late in the game to seal all three points for the home side.
