In an interview with Celtic TV, manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted he will introduce new academy talent to the Celtic first-team over the coming months.
The Hoops have a number of exciting young talents coming through the youth and reserve squads right now, such as Karamoko Dembele and Armstrong Oko-Flex.
Many have speculated both players could be in line for a first-team bow before long having excelled at their current level.
Dembele signed a professional contract with the Hoops back in December and is eligible to play in the Scottish Premiership from tomorrow when he turns 16 years of age.
Rodgers has now re-iterated his approach to young players is that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
Speaking to Celtic TV, the Hoops boss said:
Throughout my career, I’ve always shown that [if you are good enough you are old enough].
There has always been a number of young players in my teams, at 17, at 18. Age is no barrier for me, if they have the qualities. They have to do well in the reserves and in training, at some point their chance will come.
Dembele has been a much-hyped talent at Celtic for a number of years now, especially after making his debut for the U20s side at the age of 13. He has regularly played above his age level and has enormous potential.
Is it time to make him the youngest ever Celtic player?
That current record is currently held by Jack Aitchison, who made his debut aged 16 years and 71 days against Motherwell, also becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer.
It’s doubtful Dembele would have signed on at the Hoops had he not been given first-team assurances and it’s approaching the time we can expect him to be unleashed on Scottish opposition.
Obviously Rodgers is best placed to decide when exactly that is, but I am hoping to see the young academy in talent in action before the end of the season.