Celtic right-back Colby Donovan, 19, impressed in the 3-0 win over LASK Linz on Wednesday night, a match watched by new Scotland manager Sébastien Pocognoli. Stepping in for injured Alistair Johnston, Donovan delivered a composure-laden performance that could catch Pocognoli’s eye for a future Scotland call-up.
Performance under pressure
Donovan did not score and did not provide the headline-grabbing moments - Camilo Durán netted twice and Benjamin Nygren delivered a spectacular finish - yet he quietly made one of Celtic’s most significant statements. He defended stoutly, was comfortable in possession and repeatedly offered Celtic a positive attacking outlet. His link-up play with Durán throughout the match illustrated his willingness to contribute beyond his defensive duties.
The absence of Johnston had created an obvious question mark on Celtic’s right-hand side, but Donovan responded by making the position look less problematic than it had appeared. His maturity was particularly notable given the circumstances.
A ball-boy’s dream
For Donovan, the Champions League was something he once watched from the stands. He even worked as a ball-boy at a couple of games. On that Wednesday night, he stood on the pitch beneath the Celtic Park lights, listened to the anthem he had grown up hearing, and helped secure a 3-0 victory that leaves Celtic in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in Austria.
“I just want to do the job for the club,” Donovan said post-match. “You kind of don’t think about that. After a game, you see it on your phone, social media and all that. Obviously the new Scotland manager has come in. You just need to give 110 per cent performance for your club and give them a thought that maybe this boy can play.”
He may not be campaigning for a senior Scotland call-up, but Donovan understands what a strong display such as this could mean. International managers don’t need to be convinced by reputation when a young player performs under pressure in European competition.
Future prospects
Donovan looked every inch a player comfortable with the rigours of European football. “I hardly get nervous for games,” he explained. “You just need to play your own game and tell yourself ‘you’ve done it all your years’. It’s nothing strange, it’s the same pitch, it’s the same ball. I try and give my best for the badge every game I go into.”
That mentality may prove valuable long-term. Celtic currently have an established international waiting to return from a spell on the sidelines, but Donovan has demonstrated that he is no longer merely an academy prospect plugging a gap. He is a genuine first-team option - and after one of the biggest nights of his fledgling career, Scotland’s new manager has been given a welcome headache ahead of announcing his first squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign next month.
