Celtic this evening announced that Colby Donovan has signed a new long-term deal which will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2031…
25th October 2026; Easter Road; Scottish Premiership, Hibernian versus Celtic; Colby Donovan of Celtic and Adam Mayor of Hibernian challenge for the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
The 20 year-old right back is a graduate of the Celtic Youth Academy and is now a key member of Martin O’Neill first team squad, while also earning his first call-up to the Scotland squad in the recent international fixtures.
Colby has come a long way since making his debut from the bench in August last year against Livingston at Celtic Park. In September 2025 Donovan was given his first start by Brendan Rodgers at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock. He was also selected by Martin O’Neill and Wilfried Nancy and made 27 appearances in what was an unforgettable campaign in more ways than one.
Colby Donovan and the Celtic Roar at Fir Park. Photographs by Vagelis Georgariou
So far this season Colby Donovan has started 15 matches and has come of the bench twice in what so far has been a topsy turvy campaign for the Hoops.
Martin O’Neill has outlined his own thoughts in the news that Colby Donovan has signed a new contract with the club.
16.05.2026 Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership. Dane Murray, Liam Scales, Colby Donovan and Kieran Tierney celebrate. Photo Kenny Ramsay. IMAGO / News Licensing
“Colby extending his contract with the club is fantastic news for us. 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.
Camilo Duran of Celtic celebrates with teammate Colby Donovan after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“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.”
Meanwhile a delighted Colby Donovan told CelticPlayer: “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.
Colby Donovan of Celtic has a shoe malfunction during the Scottish Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on August 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“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.”
Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Colby Donovan during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
“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.”
A well deserved deal for Colby Donovan and hopefully a young player who sees his long-term future in the Hoops.
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