Celtic tie down Colby Donovan with a much-deserved new deal
Celtic have smartly tied Colby Donovan down long-term amid an impressive start to the season from the youngster. Donovan has been much more involved than he would have expected this season due to first-choice right-back Alistair Johnston dealing with injury issues.
But Donovan has not blinked, not only holding his own but quickly becoming one of the club's most consistent players this season. He has already racked up 17 appearances across all competitions, and with Johnston picking up what could be a fresh injury, he could remain a starter for the foreseeable future.
Celtic fans have loved what they have seen from Donovan, who is a real heart-on-the-sleeve type player, and they will be delighred with the fact he is at Parkhead to stay.
Celtic have confirmed a new five-year deal for Donovan, who has penned new terms to reflect his importance to the side.
Martin O'Neill said upon the deal being signed: “Colby extending his contract with the club is fantastic news for us. Although still a very young player, he has shown such maturity, strength and resilience. In fact, he has been exceptional for us.
"He has come in when we needed him, given everything for our cause and shown what a quality player he is. “He is a young man with a tremendous attitude and with a recent international call-up as well, he has had a phenomenal few months.
"I know the love Colby has for the club and I know what signing this deal means to him and his family. I am sure that he will continue to progress and enjoy a very big future in the game, and I am so pleased that he sees his long-term future at Celtic.”
Donovan himself added: “I'm over the moon. As a young boy coming through at Celtic, you thrive to be a first-team player, and to think where I am now and where I was a year ago today, it's been a rollercoaster.
“I've loved every single minute, but it doesn't stop now. I'm just going to keep kicking on. You've got to have that belief as a young player coming through here at Celtic. You see all the signings that they bring in and it's a top club they expect to win every single week.
“So as a young player, it's tough, but you always need to believe, and I know for certain when I was a kid, I knew I could come through and do it.”
“All the Academy boys that have come through have been brilliant. You see Callum and James, KT and Raldo. They've all been great servants of this club.
“I love taking bits out of their game. I was a young boy and I used to watch them, growing up, and now I'm playing alongside them and I'm good mates for them. It's just a dream come true.”
Tying Donovan down is a massive boost for Celtic, with the right-back a clear talent, already a consistent regular and just 20 years of age.
Today's best reads
Celtic's first January sale has become painfully obvious
Martin O'Neill issues injury update on Celtic duo but no rirks should be taken
Martin O'Neill issues Alistair Johnston injury update after Hibs v Celtic
Former Celtic star backs Martin O'Neill to beat Rangers to another title
Celtic handed double injury boost ahead of Celta Vigo clash
