Colby Donovan has committed his long-term future to Celtic by penning a new five-year deal. The boyhood Celtic fan, who was handed his first Scotland call-up by Sebastien Pocognoli last month, has signed on at Parkhead until the summer of 2031.
Breakthrough and Double Success
He was handed his Hoops debut by Brendan Rodgers against Livingston last year, and remained in the first team picture after Martin O'Neill made his sensational return to the Hoops hotseat after 25 years. Donovan went on to make 27 appearances as Celtic clinched a dramatic league and cup double following a final day title shootout with Hearts before beating Neil Lennon's Dunfermline at Hampden.
With Alistair Johnston injured, Donovan started this term as the club's first choice right back, and he's set to keep the jersey after the Canadian's comeback against Hibs at the weekend was aborted after just 20 minutes.
Manager's Praise
O'Neill has been a big fan of the 20-year-old since coming back to the club and was delighted to get him tied down. "Colby extending his contract with the club is fantastic news for us," he said. "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."
Player's Reaction
Donovan admits it's a dream come true to be at Celtic for the long haul after playing his way up the age groups. He 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."
