Celtic supporters haven’t had much to shout about this season.
But it could be argued that one of the bright sparks has been the rise of Celtic’s academy star, Colby Donovan.
Amid the gloom about how poorly Celtic have performed this season, Donovan has emerged from the ranks and taken advantage of the unfortunate injury situation with Alistair Johnston.
Darren O’Dea worked with Donovan closely during his time in Glasgow, and he is proud as punch.
What is the biggest difference you’ve noticed from Martin O’Neill’s style as Celtic manager?
Darren O’Dea on Colby Donovan’s rise at Celtic
It could be argued that if it weren’t for Johnston’s injury, then Celtic supporters probably wouldn’t have seen much of Donovan this season.
Speaking on Go Radio, O’Dea stated that Donovan has the ‘personality’ and ‘physical attributes’ to play at the top level.
What’s even more interesting is that O’Dea thinks the 19-year-old can play at the heart of defence.
Given that Celtic need centre-backs, perhaps Martin O’Neill should look closer to home for his centre-back problems.
Paul Cooney: “You must be proud of Colby Donovan, whom you worked with.”
O’Dea: “Yeah, I did. We talk about personality. He has attributes. Physical attributes. He potentially could still play centrally.
“But mindset. A good family around him. And he has done great.”
Who will be Celtic’s back-up right-back after Alistair Johnston?
When Johnston returns to action, he will be handed the right-back armband; it’s just a case of who sits behind him.
You have the rise of Donovan. But also the experience of Anthony Ralston, who could and probably will be selected for Scotland’s World Cup squad in the summer.
Then you have loan signing Julian Araujo. If he impresses in the coming months, then you just know that the Celtic Park faithful will call for him to be signed permanently.
Either way, Donovan needs to continue earning regular game time, and this breakthrough campaign can’t be for nothing.
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