Chris Sutton paid tribute to Colby Donovan following Celtic’s 3-0 win over LASK.
The result takes Celtic to the brink of a place in the Champions League after the trauma of missing out last season.
Donovan made his debut in the away tie against Kairat Almaty then had spells in and out of the side through a season of three changes in management.
An injury to Alistair Johnston away to Kilmarnock opened the door for Donovan’s return.
Last night he earned his place in the Starting XI to face LASK and contributed as much as any other player.
Donovan was strong but disciplined in the tackle, held his position well and supported Camilo Duran throughout his 83 minute appearance.
He even impressed Sutton!
I see so much of Chris Sutton in Kasper Høgh pic.twitter.com/9NZOMVgznA
— Stephen Donnachie (@Realbigdeemk2) August 19, 2026
Duran and Ben Nygren will take most of the headlines but it was a genuine team performance that delivered the desired result.
Vil Sinisalo produced a few crucial saves that gave confidence to his defenders.
Mika Baur was dropped in for his Celtic debut and gave an uncanny impersonation of Reo Hatate who took the place of the German after 65 minutes.
Celtic now have a clear weekend to prepare for the return match in Austria.
CELTIC HAVE FORWARDS IN THE MOULD OF SUTTON
With Kasper Hogh leading the line there is a clear goal threat from the Dane, Nygren and Duran.
Fairly quickly and with just four new signings Martin O’Neill has been able to put together a functional Celtic side.
There is still a lot of work to be done in the transfer market but barring an incredible collapse Celtic look bound for the Champions League.
That brings a different set of challenges but of the type every fan wants their club to face.
With Alistair Johnston undergoing a scan today Donovan looks like keeping his place in the side for at least a month.
Stephen Welsh, Mikey Johnston and Tony Ralston have made it from the Celtic Academy to the fringes of the first team in recent seasons.
The huge task facing Donovan is to follow Kieran Tierney into becoming a first team regular.
So many brilliant performances last night , but there is no way this tie is a formality, we will need to score a couple of goals over there
A Fandabiedosie performance but we need to tighten up in defence CCV needs to stop doing his Tortoise impressions Nygren and Duran brilliant Hogh did great but needs to start scoring goals
Sober regarding Hogh,his work rate is excellent when not scoring goals, he’s a team player.
He’s slowed up a lot since his last injury.
Colby Donovan was superb last night. Cool and calm. Not taking anything away from the wonderful goals and scorers but I personally would have given him the motm.
Colby Donavan was the man of the match in my opinion lets hope he is fit forTuesday Hail Hail
I said last night that CD came of age in a Celtic shirt !
So many tremendous performances and most will give Duran the MOTM award but thus showing will do wonders for Colby’s confidence
Hopefully, he uses this performance as his own personal yardstick.
I struggle to see how Alistair Johnston could have been any more effective,had he played
That’s how good I rated Donovan’s efforts.
As MON said in his post match interview, this tie is not over,LASK are a super dangerous side !
Great news about the performance of young Colby !