Tony Ralston or Colby Donovan, Celtic manager’s Braga dilemma

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The Celtic Star

·30. September 2025

Tony Ralston or Colby Donovan, Celtic manager’s Braga dilemma

When Alistair Johnston was struck down with a hamstring injury, initially feared to rule him out for three months, Celtic’s defensive depth was put under serious scrutiny…

Colby Donovan of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025. Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

A ‘crisis,’ as such moments are often branded, can also be the stage for opportunity, and for 19-year-old Colby Donovan, that chance arrived.

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With Tony Ralston also sidelined after bravely playing through injury in the goalless derby at Ibrox, Donovan’s path to the first team suddenly opened up. His promise in pre-season had offered encouragement, though Celtic fans had been here before. The previous summer Donovan had caught the eye, only for no breakthrough to materialise. This time, however, necessity meant the door swung that wee bit wider.

Colby Donovan at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

And Donovan has grasped his chance. From cameo appearances against Kairat and Livingston, to a full debut against Kilmarnock, where he was involved in the winning goal, the teenager built confidence and genuine momentum too.

His coming-of-age moment, however, arrived in Belgrade. A man-of-the-match display against Red Star in the Europa League, praised by Brendan Rodgers and warmly received by the fanbase, confirmed Donovan was not just filling a gap but, just perhaps, staking his claim.

Football however moves pretty quickly. Now, Ralston is back in action – having recovered from injury, and been offered the chance not to be rushed back by Donovan’s form – and starting in the weekend draw with Hibs, while Johnston’s recovery is reportedly ahead of schedule, even if he is not yet training on the grass.

Anthony Ralston of Celtic substituted for Colby Donovan of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, William Hill Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, UK – 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

That then leaves Brendan Rodgers with a decision to be made, reward Donovan’s form, or restore faith in Ralston, the experienced deputy who has played in Champions League nights and represented Scotland on the international stage.

Ralston has never hidden from his status as a rotational option but has embraced it with professionalism. His decision to play through injury against theRangers underlined his commitment, even if it cost him valuable time on the sidelines at an inopportune moment. Rodgers then may feel Ralston has earned the right to reclaim the shirt, particularly with European experience counting heavily in matches such as Thursday’s Europa League tie at home to Braga.

Colby Donovan celebrates after the Partick Thistle v Celtic match. Premier Sports League Cup tie. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

But Donovan, on the other hand, has not put a foot wrong. Beyond his composure in possession and tidy passing, he has shown tactical intelligence, using his left foot to open passing lanes, committing opponents before releasing the ball to teammates to maximise the receiving players opportunity to progress up the pitch, and defending his back post with discipline. He also looks forward-thinking in his play, a valuable trait in a Celtic side built to attack.

Rodgers hinted that Donovan’s absence against Hibs was down to workload, several games in quick succession, including minutes for Scotland Under-19s during the international break, rather than any kind of demotion. Still, the manager is not always transparent with his comments in public, and supporters will be curious to see how he handles the pecking order moving forward.

Colby Donovan of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

Sporting Braga will arguably be a step up from Red Star, both technically and tactically perhaps, and Rodgers faces a balancing act between trusting youthful form and banking on proven experience. Donovan has momentum, and obvious potential, but Ralston has done the miles and played the patient back up.

If Rodgers wants to nurture Celtic’s next long-term right-back, Donovan deserves his opportunity to continue. If he opts for the safer hands of experience, Ralston will provide steadiness.

Either way, Thursday evening will reveal whether Rodgers views Donovan as a short-term solution, or a genuine competitor for Johnston’s place in the months ahead.

Niall J

Colby Donovan, Callum McGregor and Brendan Rodgers all smiles after the match. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Continues on the next page…“He’s an amazing kid with an amazing attitude,” Calmac praises Colby Donovan…

It may well have just dawned on Callum McGregor that he’s now reached the veteran stage of his playing career and that’s as a result of watching with appreciation an admiration for a 19 year old breaking into the Celtic first team and impressing everyone from the Celtic manager, the skipper and everyone else who has watched Colby Donovan play in the Hoops.

Colby Donovan of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

“It shows my age when I see players like Colby coming through now! He’s been fantastic since he came in,” Calmac said as reported by Newsquest owned TCW. The Celtic captain was refecting on Donovan’s European debut in Belgrade last midweek before he was rested by the manager at the weekend after playing five games in quick succession, two on international duty with Scotland and three for Celtic.

You’d expect to see Colby back in the team on Thursday night at Celtic Park for the match against Portuguese side Sporting Braga.

Colby Donovan of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

“To come into that hostile environment (Belgrade) and play the way he did, with the quality and confidence he’s got, just speaks volumes about him,” Callum McGregor said.”He’s really enjoying his time, and we just need to keep on him and keep him hungry — which he will do. He’s an amazing kid with an amazing attitude.

“So, as many games as he can get, he’ll just get better and better. He’s got a real chance. He has no fear, and that’s what you get with young lads when they come in — they don’t really realise where they are. At one point, I thought he might be a bit shy, but he’s come in and he backs himself — in a good way, not in an arrogant way at all.”

McGregor added: “He knows he’s a good player, but he’s the first to help, he’s the first to be asking questions. He wants to learn, so he’s shown the right attitude as well. He’s just an amazing kid, and someone you want to do really well.

Colby Donovan in action during Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup tie. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“So, I’m hoping he goes on and makes a few more appearances. You need something a bit special — just that presence and personality when you go on the pitch — and he certainly has that. I think that, coupled with hard work and the right attitude, will stand you in good stead.

“When you look at the senior players and the guys that have played so many games, it’s pretty much always the same type of player and the same type of guy — someone who just wants more and more and keeps working. So, he’s certainly in that mould as well.

Colby Donovan at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“As much as we can try and help him — that’s our job.”

A Celtic Star in the making is young Colby and he’s also a welcome boost for the Celtic Academy to see one of their own make a major impact in the first team. Expect him to start on Thursday night.

Continues on the next page…

Danny McGrain, David Potter & Willie Fernie – what a combination!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now, order your copy at Celticstarbooks.com

We’re certainly Putting on the Style with the new promotion from Celtic Star Books. David Potter’s final book – Celtic in the Eighties – has been selling wonderfully well since its launch earlier this month. It is by far our fastest-ever seller. Order one of the last remaining copies of Celtic in the Eighties and Danny McGrain will sign it for you PLUS you’ll receive a copy of David Potter’s wonderful book on Willie Fernie as a free gift.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has now agreed to sign the final batch of Celtic in the Eighties. Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny and a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last, from Wednesday of this week (Danny is signing the books on Tuesday evening).

Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Celtic Park, 15 May 1982.Celtic captain Danny McGrain collects the championship trophy as Roy Aitken looks on. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Please note that postage will only be charged on ONE book.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.