The US Tour kicked off with a 4-0 rout of DC United in the early hours as Celtic laid down a marker ahead of the next two fixtures.
In truth, the scoreline flattered the MLS side as Celtic could have, and should have, racked up more goals in the pre-season run-out that gave Brendan Rodgers the chance to take a good look at his squad ahead of the new Scottish Premiership season.
Matt O’Riley (2), Mikey Johnston and James Forrest grabbed the Celtic goals as the experience in the side grabbed the headlines.
But it was a Celtic academy youngster that blew Rodgers away and he believes he’ll become a ‘good player’ for the club if he continues his current progress.
Colby Donovan’s ‘high level’ Celtic performance
Leading up to the game, we discussed how Rodgers had taken nine academy youngsters will him on the trip to the USA.
But it seems one slipped through the net after young Colby Donovan was given a start against DC United and Rodgers was left more than impressed with his performance.
Rodgers said [The Celtic Way], “Colby is 17, he’s really aggressive and strong, and I think once he develops physically and understands the game even more then he’ll be a good player.”
“He works very hard, he has personality, which you need if you want to play for Celtic.
“It was nice to see him tonight with the first team and performing at a high level.”
At just 17, young Donovan did show a level of maturity ahead of his years. Already catching Rodgers’ eye, the young academy starlet has created a great first impression on the Celtic boss.
The fans will be hoping that Donovan, along with the other Celtic youngsters on the trip, will decide to go against the current trend and stay at the club to progress their careers.
With Darren O’Dea as the Player Pathway Manager, there is now a process in place to make that happen as long as they continue to show their dedication and commitment to improving under the Celtic boss.
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