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    Home»Latest News»Yet again only Colby Donovan emerges from derby defeat with any credit
    Latest News

    Yet again only Colby Donovan emerges from derby defeat with any credit

    Colby Donovan is the one bright spot for Celtic during this crisis
    David FauldsBy David FauldsSeptember 21, 2026No Comments4 Mins Read
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    Colby Donovan of Celtic
    Colby Donovan of Celtic vies with Djiedi Gassama of Rangers during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Glasgow Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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    Colby Donovan was the only player who came out of last week’s 3-0 defeat at Ibrox with any credit among the Celtic supporters…

    Colby Donovan of Celtic
    13th September 2026; Ibrox. Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers and Colby Donovan of Celtic challenge for the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

    It led to Martin O’Neill hailing him as an absolute ‘warrior’ for his never say die attitude in the melting pot of Ibrox, whilst the rest of his teammates let themselves down with their overall performance on the day.

    Fast forward a week, and after yet another Glasgow Derby defeat, this time in the home surroundings of Celtic Park, it’s once again only the 20 year old who can hold his head high in what was yet another hugely disjointed and disappointing team performance from Celtic.

    Colby Donovan of Celtic
    13th September 2026; Ibrox. Scottish League Cup, Rangers versus Celtic; Colby Donovan of Celtic challenges Djeidi Gassama of Rangers. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

    The young full back didn’t shirk his responsibilities, looking to attack at every opportunity, and defend in the same committed manner. he gives 100% to the cause in every game, something that his teammates should consider copying.

    Indeed he was the only player who could claim to have tested the Rangers goalkeeper, as his goal bound header forced a fine save from the Ibrox number one just seconds after the restart.

    Colby Donovan was also the one Celtic player who threatened the Rangers goal 

    With all that attacking talent on the pitch, yet it’s a young right back who provided the side’s best opportunity of the game, which tells its own story on how the game went from a Celtic viewpoint.

    Colby showed up his more experienced, and so called talented teammates, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that if the rest of the players in Hoops shirts showed the same enthusiasm as the 20 year old, then we wouldn’t find ourselves in such a deep hole.

    Daniel Arzani of Ferencvaros is challenged by Colby Donovan of Celtic
    Daniel Arzani of Ferencvaros is challenged by Colby Donovan of Celtic during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

    It was the same on Thursday night against Ferencvaros, with Colby the only one looking like he was fully focused and giving one hundred percent commitment, which eventually seen him hauled off due to cramp.

    The Irvine born youngster has more than stood up to the task of deputising for the injured Alistair Johnston, and it’s just a shame that he will ultimately be benched when the Canadian international returns in a few weeks.

    Colby Donovan of Celtic
    Daniel Arzani of Ferencvaros is challenged by Colby Donovan of Celtic during the UEFA Europa League, League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026.. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

    In what is clearly a tough time for the football club, Colby Donovan provides the one bright light and crumb of comfort for the Celtic support. He will also probably earn his first Scotland cap in the international break and will be a real asset to Celtic in the weeks, months and years ahead.

    PS – Perhaps on reflection, Kieran Tierney merits a passmark yesterday. Like Colby he too will give everything for the Celtic cause.

    Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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    David Faulds

    Founder and editor on Celtic Shorts and publisher on dozens of top quality Celtic books including those on celticstarbooks.com. Founder and Publisher on The Celtic Star ahead of its sale. Earliest Celtic memories are a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email me if you'd like to get involved in our work especially if you would like to join our team of writers. Advertising enquiries also handled by my good self. My email address is editor@celticshorts.com

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