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