What Brendan Rodgers told his Celtic players about Colby Donovan in the Red Star Belgrade dressing room

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Brendan Rodgers has delivered his verdict on young Colby Donovan’s performance against Red Star Belgrade.

Celtic drew 1-1 with Red Star after a much-improved second-half performance saw Kelechi Iheanacho score his first European goal for the Bhoys.

The Nigerian striker was a breath of fresh air and opened up the play for Celtic as Iheanacho provided the forward line with an outball and the goal that got the Hoops a well-earned Europa League point.

But it was Colby Donovan’s European debut for Celtic that caught Brendan Rodgers’ eye as the Parkhead boss shares what he told the players in the dressing room about the 19-year-old’s performance.

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Brendan Rodgers hails ‘outstanding’ Colby Donovan for Celtic vs Red Star Belgrade

Donovan has made just six appearances for Celtic so far and already the young defender is growing into his role in the team.

And speaking post-match, Rodgers shares what he told his Celtic players about young Donovan’s performance in the Red Star dressing room.

Rodgers told TNT Sports, “I thought he was absolutely outstanding.

“I said to all the players after, I thought he was incredible in the game for a young player, making his fourth or fifth start for us. To play to that level in such a tough stadium to come and play in.

“He’s just turned 19. He’s just got personality. It’s the big thing. He’s not frightened of anything. He goes into the game, he takes the ball, he passes the ball forward, he runs forward, he’s aggressive, he stops crosses, and that’s how he trains. He trains to that level every day.

“I’m so so happy for him. He’s stepped in, and he’s obviously playing consistently now. To come here and perform like that was outstanding.”

Colby Donovan’s superb Celtic stats vs Red Star Belgrade

At just 19, Donovan has done really well taking advantage of the opportunity created by the injury to Alistair Johnston at Celtic.

And Donovan’s stats from Fotmob show exactly why Rodgers was waxing lyrical about the young Celtic full-back.

• Minutes played: 90
• Rating: 7.0
• Accurate passes: 34/44 (77%)
• Defensive contributions: 3
• Shots on target: 1/1 (100%)
• Big chances missed: 1
• Touches: 69
• Touches in opposition box: 1
• Successful dribbles: 2/3 (67%)
• Passes into final third: 10
• Ground duels won: 5/6 (83%)
• Aerial duels won: 1/5 (20%)

The youngster has made a superb impression on Rodgers, the Celtic players and the fans as he continues to blow away the Hoops boss so early into his Parkhead career.