Celtic writer and podcaster John McGinley was full of praise for young forward Karamoko Dembele during the Glasgow Cup semi-final clash between the Hoops' B side and Rangers B. 

The lowdown: Old Firm defeat

Following on from the senior side's extra-time loss to their cross-city rivals at Hampden Park, the young Celts were unable to exact revenge.

Despite taking the lead in the away clash through Mikey Johnston, the Hoops were pegged back before the game was eventually decided on penalties as it finished 2-2 after yet more extra time tension.

Ultimately, Celtic B were unable to progress, but one starlet in particular caught the eye of those keen observers...

The latest: McGinley impressed

Taking to Twitter, football journalist McGinley was quick to credit the contribution of Dembele.

“Karamoko Dembele key in the build-up to Celtic's first goal today and his assist for the second was pretty special.”

The 19-year-old has largely been an afterthought in Ange Postecoglou's plans with just ten senior appearances in total, barely being seen by fans this season with just 20 minutes of first-team action across 2021/22.

The verdict: New deal pending?

Out of contract at the end of this campaign (Transfermarkt), standout performances such as this should encourage Celtic to do everything in their power to keep the talented teenager at the club.

Capped on 27 occasions at various youth levels by both England and Scotland, the London-born attacker clearly possesses plenty of potential and having already lost Ben Doak recently, the Hoops need to be careful not to let another star of the future walk away.

Albeit unlikely that Dembele appears again this season given the strength in depth at Celtic Park and the magnitude of each remaining game, next term could well be a breakthrough one for the starlet who has shone in Tommy McIntyre's side.

In other news, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has been left fuming. Read more here.