“I am a confident player and nothing really fazes me,” Colby Donovan | OneFootball

Celtic’s 18 year-old right back Colby Donovan is set to start for Scotland Under-21s this evening against the Czech Republic in the opening qualifier for Euro 2027…

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

The young Celt with then celebrate his 19th birthday on Sunday and has the daunting prospect of being the first pick Celtic right-back when he returns to club action with both Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston sidelined by injuries.

That opportunity certainly doesn’t faze the confident young Celtic star who has impressed Brendan Rodgers and also the Celtic support.

“I heard about Tony’s injury, and it’s not good news because he is a great player for Celtic. He will be a big loss. But I am a confident player and nothing really fazes me,” Donovan said at the Scotland U21s camp, as reported by Scottish Sun. “So when I am back at Celtic I will get right to it. But I have to focus here on Scotland because we have a massive game ahead of us. When I am back, then I can deal with that.

Colby Donovan of Celtic celebrates their goal to make it 1-2 Cork City v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, Football, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland – 08 July 2025. Photo Lorraine O’Sullivan Shutterstock

“I’ve come on leaps and bounds as a player and had a good start to the season. I got to make my senior debut against Livingston, and I also got to play in the Champions League. Now I just need to keep it going.

“The gaffer here has always told me that he likes me as a player and he admires my confidence. So I always knew if I kept my head down and kept working, I would be in and about the first team. It’s always good to hear that the manager recognises you and has trust in you. So when I heard that coming from him, I was really thrilled.

“Tony is such a good player for club and country. For me to look up to him and Alistair Johnston, I don’t think you could get a better pair to learn from. Training with them week in, week out, makes me better both as a player and a person.

Colby Donovan of Celtic celebrates their goal to make it 1-2 Cork City v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, Football, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland – 08 July 2025. Photo Lorraine O’Sullivan Shutterstock

“They both just tell me not to let my head drift, to keep focused on what you are doing and the football will take care of itself. Last year I got to go away with the first team to America, and that was my first taste of it.

“It’s been step-by-step for me. But I was with the team in Kazakhstan, which was a pretty crazy journey because I was not used to that long a flight. It was a great experience and it was just unlucky we didn’t get through.”

Best of luck to Colby Donovan and the young Scottish side tonight.

Celtic in the Eighties – Out Now! In Celtic shops on Friday…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out now!

Celtic in the Eighties by the late, great David Potter is officially published today Friday 5 September by Celtic Star Books. All pre-ordered copies have been signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain who has also written the foreword for David Potter’s final book.

These copies have now been posted to everyone who has pre-ordered with copies being send all over the world. It’s been an incredible response, so thank you to each and every one of you who will be receiving your signed book shorty.

Celtic in the Eighties will be available in the Celtic superstore and all other club shops from today. And don’t forget that you can still purchase your copy directly from Celticstarbooks.com for same day postage.

Order Celtic in the Eighties today, you’ll be glad you did, it’s a fabulous read!

OUT NOW! Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

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