Celtic Have a Right-Back Gem in Colby Donovan

Colby Donovan is making a strong case for himself at Celtic, and his display against Hearts felt like another step forward.

In a 7-1 win, the young right-back was part of a Celtic side that played with confidence and intensity. He even came close to joining the scorers, sending a powerful effort towards goal after the break that Hearts goalkeeper Beau Reus saved.

That moment summed up the growing confidence in Donovan’s game. He is beginning to look more assured, more consistent and more comfortable at first-team level. There are still raw edges, as you would expect from a young player learning his trade, but the improvement is clear.

Donovan is making the most of his chance

It is easy to focus on what a young player still needs to learn. Donovan deserves credit for what he is already doing: taking his opportunity, competing for his place and showing that he can contribute in a Celtic team with high expectations.

His progress also gives Martin O’Neill a welcome selection decision when Alistair Johnston returns. Johnston brings experience and quality, but Donovan’s performances should make that choice more interesting. The youngster has earned the chance to keep developing and to show how far he can go.

Young players need games to improve

That is the wider point. Young players rarely become finished articles by sitting on the sidelines. They need minutes, trust and the chance to learn from the mistakes that are part of growing into senior football.

Celtic have seen promising defenders struggle to establish themselves amid limited opportunities. Stephen Welsh, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki have all had spells where a consistent run of games was hard to come by. Their situations were not identical, but the broader lesson remains: a club cannot properly assess a player without giving him a meaningful chance.

Dane Murray is another young defender who could benefit from opportunities. The more games these players get, the more clearly Celtic can judge their progress and potential.

Celtic should keep backing Donovan

Donovan is not the finished product, and nobody needs to pretend otherwise. He still has development ahead of him. But his improvement is visible, and his performance against Hearts offered another encouraging sign.

Celtic have a talented right-back coming through. With Johnston’s return approaching, competition will increase. Donovan’s job is to keep improving—and Celtic’s job is to give him the opportunity to do it.