Celtic Make Decision On 19-Year-Old Defender: Should They Keep Him In The First Team? | OneFootball

Celtic officials are now thinking about the future of teenage right-back Colby Donovan as the summer transfer window nears. Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider reports that the Glasgow giants want loan offers for the defender before next season. The 19-year-old recently forced his way into the first team at Celtic Park. However, the coaching staff wants him to get regular minutes elsewhere to help his long-term growth.

Top club bosses still rate the youngster highly after his strong displays in recent Scottish Premiership matches. Management thinks a short-term move away offers the best path for his progress, provided the senior squad has enough cover in his position. Donovan plans to stay at the club for the start of pre-season to impress the new coaches.

This report comes as the Bhoys prepare to overhaul their squad under a new manager. Every player will start with a fresh slate once the new boss arrives. This means the academy graduate faces a few big months to show his talent before any move happens. He clearly wants a permanent spot in the matchday squad for the upcoming qualifiers.

Should Celtic keep Donovan as a core part of the first team?

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 30: Colby Donovan arrives at Fir Park ahead of the Premier League match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on December 30, 2025 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Colby Donovan currently plays for the Republic of Ireland under-21s. He brings a modern style to the Celtic backline. During the 2025/26 season, he grabbed three assists in twelve senior games. Donovan also kept an eighty-five per cent tackle success rate. The defender’s pace helps him get back into position quickly, but he sometimes struggles in the air against physical Scottish strikers.

Instead of sending him out, Celtic should keep him in the senior rotation. He can provide real competition for the starting shirt. Many fans might worry that a move to a lower league will stop a player’s growth, as training with elite players every day helps more. However, the club often fail to move players from the youth ranks to the starting eleven. Keeping the teenager at Lennoxtown provides stability during a busy transfer window.

The squad lacks natural width from deep. His ability to overlap and cross the ball will give the new manager a tactical option. Keeping a homegrown player who knows the local pressure builds a better bond between the fans and the team.