Anthony Ralston has been included in the squad for tonight’s clash with Red Star after a couple of weeks on the sidelines.
And with Alistair Johnston still on the road to recovery it’s something of a timely boost due to a tough run of fixtures domestically and in Europe these coming weeks.
Raldo, aka The Brickie, for all the criticism he sometimes receives, is a more than capable stand-in for the Canada international, and Ralston is after all an international player in his own right. However due to his own absence through injury over these past few weeks young Colby Donovan has certainly looked the part, and many will feel that he more than deserves to hold onto his place in the Celtic starting XI tonight, on merit.
For one so young, he’s only 19, Colby has a great deal of confidence to go along with his natural ability, and it’s shown in his recent appearances in which he doesn’t look fazed in the slightest He has contributed to our recent winning run which has seen us secure top place in the league and a semi final place in the Premier Sports League cup.
AJ is the undisputed man in possession of the right back slot at Celtic, but Colby would quite rightly feel hard done by if he was omitted from the starting line up before the Canadian returns from his hamstring injury.
Last night Brendan Rodgers was asked if he’d have any hesitation in starting Colby Donovan in the red hot atmosphere that awaits Celtic this even. Here’s how that exchange went at last night’s media conference in Belgrade.
Q: It was a wonderful moment for young Colby Donovan at the weekend there, and he’s shown up well. I know obviously Tony was back training today, but would you have any qualms about throwing young Colby into an atmosphere like that tomorrow?
Brendan Rodgers: “No, no, not at all. It’s one of the things I really like about him as a young player. I think he’s a big personality. I’ve seen that over my few years up here. It’s something I really like, his mindset and his ability to not worry about making mistakes. He just has a really strong mentality to his game, and he’s improving physically. He’s understanding the football very well. And, yeah, I have no hesitation in putting him in.”
It’s going to be a judgement call this evening for Brendan Rodgers to make, with Anthony Ralston just having two trainings sessions he may not be up to full speed match-fitness wise. That will not stop him giving everything for the cause if he is selected.
However that match-fitness concern, coupled with Colby Donovan’s outstanding and assured performances so far mean that Brendan will be mightily tempted to give him the nod this evening and I think that’s how it will pan out. And do you know what? I’d sure that he’ll come through the test with flying Celtic colours.
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