Anthony Ralston has been included in the squad for tonight’s clash with Red Star after a couple of weeks on the sidelines. And with Alistair Johnston still on the road to recovery it’s something of a timely boost due to a tough run of fixtures domestically and in Europe these coming weeks.
Anthony Ralston of Celtic FC in action during the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Raldo, aka The Brickie, for all the criticism he sometimes receives, is a more than capable stand-in for the Canada international, and Ralston is after all an international player in his own right. However due to his own absence through injury over these past few weeks young Colby Donovan has certainly looked the part, and many will feel that he more than deserves to hold onto his place in the Celtic starting XI tonight, on merit.
Colby Donovan celebrates after the Partick Thistle v Celtic match. Premier Sports League Cup tie. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
For one so young, he’s only 19, Colby has a great deal of confidence to go along with his natural ability, and it’s shown in his recent appearances in which he doesn’t look fazed in the slightest He has contributed to our recent winning run which has seen us secure top place in the league and a semi final place in the Premier Sports League cup.
AJ is the undisputed man in possession of the right back slot at Celtic, but Colby would quite rightly feel hard done by if he was omitted from the starting line up before the Canadian returns from his hamstring injury.
Last night Brendan Rodgers was asked if he’d have any hesitation in starting Colby Donovan in the red hot atmosphere that awaits Celtic this even. Here’s how that exchange went at last night’s media conference in Belgrade.
Colby Donovan, Callum McGregor and Brendan Rodgers all smiles after the match. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Q: It was a wonderful moment for young Colby Donovan at the weekend there, and he’s shown up well. I know obviously Tony was back training today, but would you have any qualms about throwing young Colby into an atmosphere like that tomorrow?
Brendan Rodgers: “No, no, not at all. It’s one of the things I really like about him as a young player. I think he’s a big personality. I’ve seen that over my few years up here. It’s something I really like, his mindset and his ability to not worry about making mistakes. He just has a really strong mentality to his game, and he’s improving physically. He’s understanding the football very well. And, yeah, I have no hesitation in putting him in.”
You can read everything that was said by Brendan Rodgers as he answered questions from both the Scottish and Serbian mainstream media HERE.
It’s going to be a judgement call this evening for Brendan Rodgers to make, with Anthony Ralston just having two trainings sessions he may not be up to full speed match-fitness wise. That will not stop him giving everything for the cause if he is selected.
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
However that match-fitness concern, coupled with Colby Donovan’s outstanding and assured performances so far mean that Brendan will be mightily tempted to give him the nod this evening and I think that’s how it will pan out. And do you know what? I’d sure that he’ll come through the test with flying Celtic colours.
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Agreed, we know Rodgers tends to opt for experience in such situations as tonight match poses.
To big of a gamble to risk ralston from the start tonight imo.
Saying that, I think ralston might start on Saturday all the same.
Still a few other selection choices remains in operation for tonight.
Engels or Nygren.
Think Engels might get the nod, with possibly better in the more defensive side of the game imo.
Maeda or kelchi
Could depend upon how high of a defensive line play?
Even if kelchi is chosen to start, can we really go without a Maeda in the starting line-up?
So already decisions for Rodgers to be making, despite having AJ and Trusty available.
Yet this squad is meant to be so much weaker now, despite having more options available to Rodgers within it all the same?