Colby Donovan was set to leave Celtic before Alistair Johnston injury changed everything | OneFootball

Scott Brown has revealed Colby Donovan was on the verge of joining Ayr United before an injury to Alistair Johnston dramatically changed the Celtic youngster’s fortunes.

13th September 2026; Ibrox. Scottish League Cup, Rangers versus Celtic; Colby Donovan of Celtic challenges Djeidi Gassama of Rangers. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Donovan is now established in Martin O’Neill’s first-team squad, but his Celtic breakthrough could have looked very different after Ayr pushed to sign him on loan last summer.

Brown, who was managing the Championship side at the time, has disclosed that the deal was almost complete, with Donovan even visiting his office ahead of the proposed move.

Speaking on Premier Sports, Brown said: “I had him in my office. It was almost done and dusted.

“Then the next night, so it was a Wednesday, I think it was the next night. Alistair Johnston done his hamstring.

“So it would have been great for the club to have him. But like he’s done fantastic since going in there.

“Martin was talking about Anthony Ralston being a servant for the football club, he’s jumped ahead of him.

“But it shows you how high they think he can go. And I think he’s growing now. He’s maturing into a good player.

“He understands what Celtic’s all about, and I think that’s a big thing for young players coming through to understand that it’s Callum, Jamesy Forrest, and all those lads who help.

“You can see him every day training he’s got a smile on his face.”

Ayr’s interest in Donovan was reported on August 19, 2025, with Dundee also keen on taking the defender on loan.

However, Johnston suffered a hamstring injury during Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty the following day.

Just three days later, Donovan made his senior Celtic debut from the bench against Livingston at Parkhead.

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star

NEW FROM CELTIC STAR BOOKS…Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, available now…

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr. Both Volumes out now. Order at celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, both published on 4th September 2026 by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!

Click to join Celtic Pools