Martin O’Neill praises Colby Donovan’s ‘big accomplishment’ | OneFootball

Martin O’Neill has heaped praise on young Colby Donovan, after the full back was named in Sebastien Pocognoli’s Scotland squad, a fine reward and great recognition after his impressive start to the season at Celtic…

Camilo Duran of Celtic celebrates with teammate Colby Donovan after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The veteran Irishman has already been complementary towards the youngster this week, stating that he was an ‘absolute warrior’ in the damaging 3-0 defeat to bitter rivals the Rangers at Ibrox, a game that the rest of his more experienced teammates let themselves down.

Colby Donovan was the only Celtic player to deserve pass marks in that afternoon to forget as Celtic exited the Premier Sports Cup without laying a glove of the Rangers.

Donovan has been involved with the first team for a while now, drifting in and out of the side, having to compete with Tony Ralston, and automatic first team pick Alistair Johnston.

13th September 2026; Ibrox. Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers and Colby Donovan of Celtic challenge for the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The youngster has now stood up when needed after AJ suffered yet another injury setback, and is very much seen as Martin O’Neills first choice in the Canadian Internationals absence. His progress has meant that Tony Ralston, who played for Scotland at the recent World Cup, can’t get anywhere near the first team at the moment.

Speaking to the club media channel CelticPlayer, Martin O’Neill had this to say about Colby Donovan being named in the Scotland squad for the upcoming international matches: “I am delighted for him, absolutely delighted. He’s got a massive heart.

“There are obviously parts of his game that he can tidy up, which he is willing to do.”

Jack McMillan of Falkirk vies with Colby Donovan of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on August 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

O’Neill praised the 20 year olds approach at the training ground and his desire to improve. He said: “He’s a great character as well too. He never seems to be down at all, and always has that proverbial smile on his face.

“Coming into training, Colby wants to work hard, he wants to learn, and this is great for him, really great.”

The Irishman said the chance could raise Donovan’s confidence, something that will only benefit the 20 year old in the long term.

Colby Donovan of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on September 02, 2026 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He said: “Genuinely, it’s the icing on the cake, isn’t it, really? And with Scotland qualifying now for competitions, it would be great to be involved with that.

“But it’s a big lift, and that will give him a big boost of confidence as well.”

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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