Karamoko Dembele makes his Celtic debut at just 16 years of age

  /  autty

Celtic ended their title-winning league campaign with victory over Hearts as youngster Karamoko Dembele made his senior debut for the club aged just 16 years and 86 days.

The winger came off the bench for Oliver Burke at half-time and put in an impressive display as fellow youngster Mikey Johnston scored twice to seal victory.

Dembele made headlines when he made his Celtic Under 20s debut at 13, before signing his first professional contract in December.

However, despite dazzling at times against Hearts, coach Damien Duff still handed out some lessons in the tunnel before the youngster went to collect his medal on the pitch.

The scenes mirrored those between Pep Guardiola and Raheem Sterling after Manchester City's 6-0 FA Cup final win over Watford on Saturday, with the Spaniard still imparting advice even during the celebrations.

Winger Johnston got the home side off to a great start when he worked a one-two with Henderson and slammed the ball past Zdenek Zlamal from eight yards out.

Mulraney screwed a shot wide a minute later at the other end but was much more accurate with his leveller, after Hoops keeper Scott Bain was slack with a pass.

Sean Clare took possession and rolled the ball to the former Inverness player who curled the ball past the back-tracking Bain and into the top corner.

Zlamal made a terrific save from a Johnston drive early in the second half before Dembele flashed a 25-yard drive just wide, drawing huge applause from the Hoops fans before having another effort saved by the Tynecastle keeper.

Celtic, captained by Scott Sinclair, piled on the pressure and there was a penalty claim in the 80th minute when defender Kristoffer Ajer's drive following a long run was blocked by Conor Shaughnessy but referee Craig Thomson was unimpressed.

However, the home fans were impressed when Johnston played a one-two with substitute McGregor, on for Henderson, and drove towards the Jambos goal before firing low past Zlamal and in off the post from the edge of the box for the winner.

Related: Celtic FC
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