Following Celtic's significant 3-0 win against LASK in a UEFA Champions League play-off, former player Daizen Maeda publicly acknowledged the impressive display of teenage defender Colby Donovan. Although Maeda transferred to Ipswich Town during the summer, his continued engagement with his former club is evident through his social media activity, highlighting Donovan's pivotal role in Celtic's success.
On August 19, 2026, Celtic secured a dominant 3-0 victory against LASK in the first leg of their Champions League play-off at Celtic Park. Key to this win was the stellar performance of young right-back Colby Donovan, who started his second consecutive match. Donovan adeptly filled in for the injured Alistair Johnston, showcasing his defensive prowess and contributing to the team's clean sheet.
Maeda, who departed Celtic for Ipswich Town in a £10 million deal earlier in the summer, took to Instagram to express his admiration for Donovan's performance. He reposted Celtic's official match graphic to his story, tagging Donovan and adding applause and fire emojis, signaling his strong approval of the teenager's play.
Donovan's consistent performances have solidified his position as Martin O'Neill's preferred choice at right-back in Johnston's absence. Having made 28 appearances in his inaugural season, he has surpassed the experienced Anthony Ralston in the pecking order. With Johnston still recuperating, Donovan continues to seize every opportunity to prove his worth, delivering commendable displays in back-to-back starts.
The impressive showing by Colby Donovan in Celtic's Champions League play-off win underscores his growing importance to the team, earning him accolades from fans and former teammates alike. His emergence provides a promising outlook for Celtic's defensive lineup.
