Alistair Johnston’s latest injury presents a big chance for Colby Donovan, he’s got to make the most of it…
With the news that Alistair Johnston will be sidelined for up to six weeks, it presents us with something of dilemma in the right back area.
Who starts at right back at Tannadice?
Colby Donovan, and Tony Ralston are available as back up to the Canadian International, but during pre-season Martin O’Neill seemed to taken a shine to the former in the absence of World Cup participating Canadian.
19 year old Colby clearly has a chance of making the grade at the club, and this is perhaps the perfect opportunity to show that he’s more than a squad filler.
Despite his age, he’s not a inexperienced youngster anymore, having made several first team appearances, and been involved in many match day squads and he also played for Martin O’Neill in the Europa League last season so can be relied on at this level.
Alistair Johnston has been ruled out for six weeks
It’s clear to see that the Irvine born full back has great potential, but he’s now at a stage of his career that he needs to show improvement and consistency, and with Alistair Johnston ruled out for the next six weeks, this is his big chance to prove his credentials.
At one stage Colby was very much seen as third choice, behind Johnston and Tony Ralston, but now seems to have risen above the Scotland World Cup Celt in the pecking order.
It will take a monumental effort to dislodge the highly experienced and talented Alistair Johnston, and no one will be expecting as such, but with the Canadian’s future not exactly assured due to ongoing transfer speculation.
This is Colby’s chance to shine
This is Colby’s chance to shine and prove to Martin O’Neill, and the supporters that he’s very much a player with a big future at the club.
Colby Donovan and the Celtic Roar at Fir Park. Photographs by Vagelis Georgariou
It’s been a long time since we witnessed a academy prospect become a regular first team player, and now young Colby has that opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his senior teammates Callum McGregor, James Forrest, and Kieran Tierney.
That’s the challenge for young Colby, starting tomorrow up at Tannadice.
There’s uncertainty about Alistair Johnston’s future, with his move to Everton very much in doubt given his latest injury issue.
Anthony Ralston of Celtic is challenged by Ethan Ross of Falkirk during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on April 25, 2026 . (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
And if Colby Donovan is brought into the team as AJ’s stand-in what does that mean for Anthony Ralston, who will effectively drop to third pick right-back if Johnston’s transfer doesn’t proceed?
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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