Watch: Sebastien Pocognoli sets Colby Donovan Celtic challenge after first Scotland call-up | OneFootball

New Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli has challenged Celtic youngster Colby Donovan to keep improving after handing the defender his first senior international call-up.

Donovan’s impressive breakthrough at Parkhead has been rewarded with a place in Pocognoli’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

The 20-year-old has started Celtic’s last eight matches and was singled out for praise by Martin O’Neill despite the Hoops suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.

However, Pocognoli is determined to keep expectations surrounding the Celtic academy graduate in check.

Asked about his decision to select Donovan, Pocognoli said via Scotland National Team’s YouTube channel: “Yeah, he played some good games.

“He had, also, moments that he needs to deal with the expectation.

“Because when you’re a young lad at Celtic, and you play two or three good games, you can fly or stay with your feet on the ground, and be challenging.

“I think he did well, but he needs to improve in many things, like every young lad.

“He will need to reach the expectation to be with a different stature, and it will be a good test this weekend.

“Hopefully this camp will give him a new experience in football lifestyle moments that he can bring back to his club.”

Donovan is one of several new faces in Pocognoli’s first Scotland squad, with former Celtic academy graduate Stephen Welsh also receiving his maiden senior call-up.

His inclusion comes at the expense of Celtic teammate Anthony Ralston, with the 29-cap international left out of a Scotland squad for the first time in a year.

Donovan will compete with Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey for a place on the right, with Pocognoli expected to continue using the 3-4-3 system he has favoured during his managerial career.

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