Celtic defender Colby Donovan is set to earn his first Scotland call-up under new manager Sebastien Pocognoli following a run of eight consecutive starts for the Hoops. The youngster has displaced Anthony Ralston in the Celtic starting line-up.
Donovan emerged with rare credit from Celtic’s grim 3-0 Glasgow Derby capitulation at Ibrox on Sunday. While the Hoops surrendered without a fight, the young full-back showed plenty of steel in the heat of battle. He picked up a first-half booking for a late challenge on Djeidi Gassama and later clashed with James Penrice in a heated second-half spat. Martin O’Neill singled out the defender for praise despite the team’s dismal derby performance. Donovan’s continuous selection has now firmly established him ahead of 29-time Scotland international Anthony Ralston in the Parkhead pecking order.
Pocognoli was in the stands as Donovan excelled in Celtic’s first-leg victory over LASK last month, convincing the new national boss that the defender is ready for the jump. The Belgian manager is planning a squad shake-up, with uncapped prospects Luke Graham and Robbie Ure also in line for call-ups.
Refusal to get carried away has been key to Donovan’s rapid rise. He stated: “I just want to do the job for the club, going into games. I kind of don’t think about that. After a game, you see it on your phone, social media and all that. Obviously the new Scotland manager has come in. You just need to give 110 per cent performance for your club and give them a thought that ‘maybe this boy can play.’ I gave my all. Every time I put on the Celtic jersey, I always give my 110 per cent. For him, hopefully, I’ve played a good part in the game.”
The hard work is only just starting for the youngster.
Celtic must immediately pick up the pieces with Ferencvaros visiting on Thursday before another showdown against Rangers. If Donovan continues to shine on the big stage, his national team call-up will be well deserved.
