Brendan Rodgers singles out ‘aggressive’ Celtic youngster who could force his way into the first team

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It was another productive workout for Celtic under the blinding Irish sun as they beat Cork City 2-1.

Goals from Luke McCowan and Colby Donovan were enough for the Hoops to claim a second win in pre-season.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed that Stephen Welsh would need surgery after suffering a recurring shoulder injury but that was the only real dampener on the night.

Once again, several youngsters were in the Celtic squad and one name in particular caught Rodgers’ eye.

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Colby Donovan praised by Brendan Rodgers after late winner

Donovan and Kyle Ure were the two best youngsters for Celtic and the former had a bigger role to play than he thought.

After he started the first 45 minutes, the right-back was taken off as the Hoops changed the entire XI for the second half.

But, after Welsh was forced to come off due to injury, Rodgers made the decision to bring Donovan back on.

That duly paid off as he was able to score the winner with four minutes to go after being given the freedom of the Cork box to head home the winner.

It impressed the Celtic boss too, who had plenty of kind words to say.

“He’s very competitive and I like him,” Rodgers said.

“He’s very aggressive, he passes forward.

“He’ll become a bit less rash as his career moves forward but I like his personality and I like his dominance and he can play football, which you have to be able to do when you play for Celtic.”

Colby Donovan deserves a shot in the first team this season

When everyone is fit at Celtic, it’s obvious that Alistair Johnston starts every week.

Anthony Ralston has also been the back-up right-back for the best part of eight years, however, the 26-year-old may think it’s better to pursue first team football elsewhere.

Donovan has shown the craft and talent in these two games and also impressed in 2024 during pre-season.

More young players need to be given a chance by Celtic and Donovan deserves that.