Brendan Rodgers lavished praise on Colby Donovan following his display for Celtic in last night’s Europa League opener against Red Star Belgrade…
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
The 19-year-old was selected to start at right-back for a third game in succession. Donovan delivered a flawless display in the 1-1 draw against the Serbian champions, and Rodgers had no hesitation in praising the youngster in his post-match comments.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Brendan Rodgers said: “I thought he was absolutely outstanding. I said to all the players after, I thought he was incredible in the game for a young player, making his fourth or fifth start for us. To play to that level in such a tough stadium to come and play in.”
“Nice first step in the competition!”
Brendan Rodgers reflects on Celtic’s draw with Red Star 💬
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 24, 2025
“He’s just turned 19. He’s just got personality. It’s the big thing. He’s not frightened of anything. He goes into the game, he takes the ball, he passes the ball forward, he runs forward, he’s aggressive, he stops crosses, and that’s how he trains. He trains to that level every day.”
“I’m so so happy for him. He’s stepped in, and he’s obviously playing consistently now. To come here and perform like that was outstanding.”
Sandman also named Colby Donovan as his Man of the Match in his outstanding Definitive Ratings this morning on The Celtic Star – high praise indeed!
Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates his goal Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 September 2025 Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic/Shutterstock
And, Rodgers’ men earned around £150,000 for their draw in Belgrade last night after Kelechi Iheanacho’s excellent finish was cancelled out by veteran Marko Arnautovic’s equaliser 20 minutes into the second half.
Celtic now turn their attention to domestic action as they prepare to face Hibernian on Saturday at Celtic Park in what is the first fixture at home since the disastrous transfer window.
Celtic fans ahead of kick-off Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo: Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
Last night, there were banners in the away end displaying for the removal of Chris McKay, Peter Lawwell and Michael Nicholson.
After Hibs it is back to Europa League football next Thursday when Braga visit Celtic Park. Then, we will see the full-scale of how many tickets were not purchased for the first of four European home games in the Europa League. Tickets for the Braga game are now on general sale via the club’s official website with the club stating:
‘Remaining tickets for all four 2025/26 UEFA Europa League matches are now on general sale with tickets priced £45.”
It should be noted that the newly formed Celtic Fans Collective has NOT called on supporters to boycott the Europa League matches. The only two actions that have been called for were the delayed entry at Rugby Park and the holding up of the anti-board protest posters at Firhill.
Conor Spence
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