Celtic’s title run-in could be about to take another damaging turn, with Colby Donovan now facing tests ahead of Saturday’s must-win clash with St Mirren. [Herald Sport]
At this stage of the season, it is the last thing Martin O’Neill needed.
Celtic are already stretched at right-back. Julian Araujo has not featured since the Scottish Cup penalty shootout win at Ibrox, while Alistair Johnston’s hopes of returning were hit by another setback after linking up with Canada in training, despite not being fit enough to play.
O’Neill confirmed in recent days that Johnston aggravated the issue on the final day of that camp, delaying his comeback again.
Now Donovan is the latest concern.
If the youngster is ruled out for any length of time, Celtic’s options start to look desperately thin. Antony Ralston would be the only recognised senior right-back left available and, while he brings experience, Donovan has clearly moved ahead of him.
He has not looked flawless, but he has looked like someone the current management team believe can help. For him to now be sent for tests, with six league games left and Celtic sitting three points off the top, is a huge concern.
Every match now comes with huge pressure, and Saturday at Celtic Park is one of those afternoons where nothing less than three points will do. St Mirren will not make life easy, and Celtic already go into the game knowing their margin for error has all but disappeared.
O’Neill has offered some encouragement on Araujo, with reports this week suggesting there is still hope the Bournemouth loanee could feature again before the season ends, but there is no certainty around that.
It leaves Celtic in a deeply uncomfortable position.
A team chasing the title should not be heading into the run-in wondering whether it has one fit senior right-back. Yet that is the reality. Johnston was on the mend, Araujo had been expected to help through the closing weeks, and Donovan had stepped in when called upon. Now all three are either out or uncertain.
For O’Neill, it is another issue in a season that has already thrown up far too many.
This “uncomfortable” position is entirely down to the incompetence, stupidity, arrogance and arrogance of those on the Board and also to the parasitic Desmond’s.
Ralston a much better bet. Colly still a bit Raw.