So what did last night tell us about this Celtic team in general?
Well, we are obviously still a work in progress. The fluidity still isn’t there, which maybe should be expected at this point in the season especially with so many new recruits still trying to bed in. Players who thought they were leaving in the summer like Maeda and Yang clearly still have their minds elsewhere. On the plus side though we look decent defensively (set pieces aside) and the new recruits like Tounekti and Inheanacho are proving their worth and improving our attacking options. We can only continue to improve from here on.
The litmus test for Colby Donovan
Colby Donovan of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
Another point I raised before the match was that for Colby Donovan this would be the litmus test on his future Celtic career. I said that playing against Red Star Belgrade, with the intimating atmosphere and the high stakes involved, would show us whether he could be the next homegrown star to emerge from our academy. Or would he crumble under the pressure. Well we certainly have our answer. The youngster was excellent and was quite rightly awarded man of the match in the only ratings that matter, Sandman’s definitive ones.
Anthony Ralston of Celtic substituted for Colby Donovan of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, William Hill Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, UK – 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
His performance was so impressive that it’s led me to believe that the shirt is his for the moment, at least until Alistair Johnston returns. I love Tony Ralston, a player who gives his all every time he pulls the famous hoops on but if I’m being totally honest, he is what he is. An able deputy who always gives 100% but we can’t deny he has his limitations. I’ve always been happy to keep him around as an able deputy to Johnston but Donovan is very quickly showing he may well be a better option, and with Donovan he will only keep improving with experience.
A quick word of warning
Colby Donovan of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
Just a quick word of warning however. As a fan base we must be patient with Donovan. He has impressed every one of us so far but we need to remember that he has just turned 19 and is still learning. There will be games where he makes mistakes and we have to live with that and continue to support him. With help and support from the fans, his coaches and his teammates however it’s definitely exciting to see such a promising talent come through the ranks for the first time in what seems like forever.
“A dream come true!” ✨
19-year-old Colby Donovan shares his thoughts on making his first European appearance for Celtic 🟢
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/0zHQqa86b7
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 24, 2025
