All eyes were on Colby Donovan ahead of his first European start for Celtic.
The 19-year-old, who has now started three consecutive senior games in Hoops, was trusted due to the absence of Anthony Ralston and Alistair Johnston.
Prior to the game, Brendan Rodgers had said that he had no qualms about throwing Donovan in for the match in the Serbian capital.
And his comments were justified with Donovan putting in a seriously impressive display in a 1-1 draw.
One former Hoops goalkeeper was full of praise for the teenager.
Joe Hart on Colby Donovan’s performance against Red Star
The right-back impressed with his pace, effort and progressive running with the ball. He wasn’t afraid of getting involved in the game.
READ MORE: Joe Hart reveals Celtic star missed training sessions in spell when he was ‘not quite with it’
Photo by PREDRAG MILOSAVLJEVIC/AFP via Getty Images
For Joe Hart, there were plenty of reasons to be positive, despite an initial reluctance
Speaking on TNT Sports’ live broadcast, Hart said: “I’ve been biting my tongue about Donovan, but he’s been excellent tonight for Celtic.
“He’ll be so pleased with his game. The biggest compliment you can pay him is that he does not look out of place on the European stage at such a young age, playing for a big club like Celtic.”
When you think about the right-back options that the Hoops now have, Rodgers is in safe hands.
Has Colby Donovan played his way into Brendan Rodgers’ plans?
With a right-back performing as Donovan did, the Hoops boss now has a desirable selection headache with his three options.
Johnston and Ralston’s fitness situations will take care of themselves. But Donovan, surely now, must be involved going forward.
It’s been quite a while since a teenager has performed as the right-back did in Belgrade for Celtic, after being brought up from the academy.
If Donovan maintains this level of performance, it won’t be his only night representing the Hoops in continental competition.