From the age of just 13, Karamoko Dembele's name was already well-known to many football fans.

Then at Celtic, a diminutive Dembele burst on to the scene when he made his debut for the club's Under-20s side, with many tipping the talented winger to be the sport's next superstar.

Now 20 and on loan at League One outfit Blackpool from French side Brest, the spotlight will be back on him tonight as he looks to inspire an upset against Premier League opponents Nottingham Forest.

Ahead of the FA Cup third-round replay, we look at whether the youngster can finally deliver on his promise.

Twists and turns

Despite making his Celtic debut at just 16 in May 2019 and picking up a Scottish Cup winners' medal that same month, Dembele struggled to make an impact for the Bhoys.

The Lambeth-born trickster managed just 10 senior appearances across four seasons at Parkhead, scoring only once and struggling with injuries.

His nine-year stint in Glasgow ended in the summer of 2022 when he joined Brest, though first-team opportunities were once again limited.

But he looks to finally be enjoying his football at senior level after moving to Blackpool, with current boss Neil Critchley well aware of the challenges the youngster has faced.

The former Liverpool youth coach said: "When you burst on the scene so early you need psychological stamina because it's not easy. 

"There are not many Trent Alexander-Arnolds who go straight into Liverpool's first team and stay there. 

"Most players need to find their way. Sometimes moves don't go the way you want it to but in the end you always find your level."

Tangerine dream

Something looks to have clicked with Dembele in England, with his current form placing him among the best attackers in League One.

In his last 10 third-tier appearances, the right-sided winger has notched six assists — with his total for the season in all competitions standing at eight alongside three goals.

Dembele ranks in the division's top 10 for both key passes (1.9) and dribbles (1.4) per 90 minutes.

The quick feet, skills and pace to burn remain from his teenage years but Dembele no longer looks overawed by the prospect of men's football and as such, he is still a hugely exciting prospect.

Work to do

Like any young talent — particularly those playing in the lower, more physical divisions like League One — there is still the tendency for Dembele to fade in and out of games.

Critchley added: "Certain matches suit him but in others he has to find a way not to get frustrated. 

"He has to understand even if he gets the ball less, when he does get it, it'll be in critical moments and that's when you're hoping he can be the match winner.

"He's a delight to work with and is a lovely down to earth boy. You ask him to try and do something and he does it instantly. 

"He does some brilliant things — he's beautiful to watch. He's got magic in his feet."

Dembele will have another chance to test himself against Premier League opposition when Forest visit Bloomfield Road following a 2-2 draw earlier this month.

With a goal and an assist in the FA Cup so far, more heroics to inspire an upset could be the most significant moment yet of Dembele's fledgling career.