Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Celtic v Aberdeen - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - July 31, 2022 Celtic players in a huddle before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Celtic defender Colby Donovan has pulled out of the Scotland u-21 squad due to injury.
The right-back suffered a knee injury during Celtic’s2-0 defeat away to Dundee United on Sunday.
Donovan picked up his knock while hurdling an advertising hoarding trying to cross the ball into the goal-mouth.
After treatment on the pitch the defender was replaced by Luke McCowan. Reo Hatate initially went to right-back with Yang Hyun-jun finishing the match in that position.
CELTIC FANS DENS PARK D-DAY
The Scotland u-21 side have matches against the Czech Republic and Portugal over the next week but Celtic’s trip to Dundee on April 5 will be the main concern for hoops supporters.
Donovan appeared to suffer a serious knee injury in November when he played against Gibraltar for the Scotland u-21 side.
#SCO21s | Squad update.
IN: Ryan Carr, Josh Dede & Taylor Steven.
OUT: Cameron Bragg, Colby Donovan & Kristi Montgomery.#YoungTeam— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 25, 2026
Donovan has started Celtic’s last two matches, deputising for Julian Araujo.
The on-loan Mexican internationalist is back at Bournemouth receiving treatment for an injury with Martin O’Neill vague on when Araujo will be available again for Celtic.
With Alistair Johnston out injured since October there could be a problem at right-back for the match at Dundee. Celtic could kick-off that match trailing leaders Hearts by eight points.
News of Donovan’s injury came from the SFA. Celtic’s own website has had only two updates on the men’s team since the final whistle on Sunday at Dundee United.
Tony Ralston is with Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad but appears to have almost dropped out of the picture at club level.
Celtic fans will be watching closely for injury news over the next10 days.
Johnston seems very close to a return to action with Canada boss Jesse Marsh involving the Celtic defender fully in training this week.
Should there be a lack of options at right-back it could force O’Neill into going with a three man defence against Dundee.
Celtic will be 2 points behind Hearts possibly on Saturday week.
With the Hopps experience going into the remaining 7 fixtures, I think MON boys will eventually overtake Hearts to retain their title.
Celtic will retain their title as they have better experience and the squad is superior to Hearts and Rangers..
The Hoops won’t let down Martin O’ Neill in his final defying season..