Celtic have injury concerns in defence and it could be the perfect time to hand the young right-back his debut.
Circumstances could dictate that Neil Lennon hands a debut to right-back Jeremie Frimpong tonight, giving fans their first look at the pacy youngster in Scottish League Cup action.
Frimpong arrived from Manchester City towards the end of the summer transfer window, part of a clear strategy of signing up exciting young talents from the fringes of elite English sides.
So far none of them have broken through into the first-team, but a match against Partick Thistle tonight gives the Hoops boss the chance to field a much-rotated side from the usual starting eleven.
Bauer injured
Unfortunately for the Hoops, Mortiz Bauer is a doubt for the clash after twisting his ankle against Kilmarnock on Sunday. He was a stand-out in the Scottish Premiership clash but is unlikely to get the chance to build on that positive start.
Hatem Abd Elhamed is available, but with the chance to rest Christopher Jullien, who was also substituted off against Killie, the Israeli international could be moved into the middle.
That would clear the way for Frimpong, who is said to be known for his pace and powerful running, to take up a slot on the right flank.
Youngster didn’t feature for reserves
Frimpong would also have been expected to play for a Celtic reserves side that played in cup action on Tuesday. However he wasn’t included in the starting lineup, fuelling expectation he is set to make a first-team bow.
As reported by The Daily Record, he’s been training with the senior side this week, apparently shadowing captain Scott Brown who was helping the youngster be put through his paces.
Lennon set to experiment
The Celtic boss has already confirmed tonight’s lineup will be much changed whether Frimpong is included or not.
As quoted by The Daily Record, Lennon said of his selection: “There’s a temptation and in some areas a necessity as well. It’s fair to say there will be some changes.
“Obviously we have to take a steer on games coming up as well, for the likes of (James) Forrest, (Scott) Brown, (Callum) McGregor, (Ryan) Christie, (Boli) Bolingoli, they have all been playing a lot of football.”
An experimental eleven could follow, with the manager taking the opportunity to keep his most important players fresh for upcoming league and European matches.
It’s all pointing to the former Man City youngster getting a bit of first-team action very early in his Hoops career.
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