Celtic have secured the future of their young full‑back Colby Donovan by extending his contract until 2031, a move that manager Martin O’Neill said will set the 20‑year‑old on a path to a “very big future.” Donovan, who has already made 15 starts this season, stepped in for the injured Alistair Johnston and has become a regular in the first team since his debut in August last year.
The contract extension comes after Donovan was called up to the Scotland squad in September, although he did not feature in any of the four Nations League matches under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. O’Neill praised the defender’s “tremendous attitude” and noted that Donovan has shown a strong commitment to the club, “coming in when we needed him and giving everything for our cause.” The manager also highlighted the personal significance of the deal for Donovan and his family, expressing confidence that the player will continue to develop and enjoy a promising career at Celtic.
Donovan’s rise has been steady. He made 27 appearances last season and has been O’Neill’s preferred deputy for the injured Johnston. In a recent interview, the defender said, “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. When I was a kid, I knew I could come through and do it.” His determination and work ethic have earned him a place in the club’s long‑term plans.
With the contract now in place, Donovan will be eligible for the remainder of the season and the next few years, giving Celtic a reliable option at right‑back as they compete on multiple fronts. The club’s management remains optimistic that the young defender will continue to progress and contribute to Celtic’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.