Celtic’s memorable 3–1 victory over Feyenoord delivered one of the club’s most impressive European away displays in years, but it also brought a brief moment of concern as young defender Colby Donovan was forced off late in the match after picking up a painful knock.
Donovan, who has had a stop–start season, delivered arguably his most complete performance in a Celtic shirt, standing up to Feyenoord’s attacking threat and playing with a maturity beyond his experience.
His composure on the ball, his aggression in duels and his understanding with the players around him did not go unnoticed, and O’Neill himself was quick to praise the young defender’s contribution.
But when Donovan signalled he couldn’t continue after a collision late in the match, Celtic fans understandably feared the worst. With defensive options already stretched at times this season, losing Donovan just as he appeared to be finding confidence again would have been a major setback.
Fortunately, O’Neill provided a positive update post-match, confirming that the injury looked worse than it actually was and expressing hope that the defender would be fit for Sunday’s trip to Easter Road.
He said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “He was up against a winger who has made inroads into European football, and I thought he did remarkably well.
“He came in and got a stamp on his foot. I initially thought it was cramp, which wouldn’t have surprised me given he hasn’t played for some weeks, but no — it was a stamp on his left foot and it was quite nasty. I’m hoping he’s going to be okay.”
“Colby got a stud in his foot, which looked quite nasty — again, his left foot. I thought it was cramp at first, but when he came off it was bleeding and didn’t look great.
“But I think he’ll push it off. He wants to play, which is lovely.
”But it’s definitely getting better this morning.“
O’Neill’s assessment will come as a relief for supporters who watched Donovan limp off after what had been an excellent showing.
The interim manager’s praise highlights how quickly Donovan has climbed back into contention, and how important his contribution was in shutting down a Feyenoord attack usually so dangerous on home soil.
The young defender’s performance also reflected a broader theme under O’Neill: players previously on the fringes have been given opportunities and responded with character.
Donovan’s resurgence fits into that pattern, with the Irishman and his coaching staff restoring belief in individuals who looked short of confidence earlier in the campaign.
Wilfried Nancy speaks to his players during the team’s practice Tuesday, March 16, 2021 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
His blend of energy, enthusiasm and defensive nous could be vital as Celtic look to continue the momentum generated by the midweek win in Rotterdam.
If Donovan recovers in time, it will mark not just a lucky escape, but a continuation of a new chapter in his Celtic career, one that suddenly looks far brighter than it did only a few weeks ago.
