Celtic are open to sending Colby Donovan out on loan next season as they look to keep his development moving in the right direction.
The 19-year-old has broken through this term, making 26 appearances across all competitions and contributing four assists from full-back.
Donovan is highly rated internally, and there is no suggestion that his long-term future lies anywhere but Celtic Park.
Still, the club are weighing up whether regular football elsewhere might serve him better than a season spent on the fringes.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke reports Celtic are considering a temporary move, with the priority being consistent first-team minutes.
That thinking is shaped by the situation at right-back.
Anthony Ralston continues to offer cover, while Julian Araujo has added further competition during his loan spell.
That leaves Donovan in a crowded position for a player at a stage where he needs games, not cameos.
Celtic will give him the chance to impress over the summer, particularly with a new manager coming in and offering a clean slate across the squad.
But sentiment will not get in the way of development. If the pathway looks blocked, even temporarily, a loan becomes the sensible call.
Donovan has shown enough this season to suggest he can handle senior football.
The next step is doing it every week, not dipping in and out. Celtic’s challenge is making sure that progression continues, whether that is in Glasgow or elsewhere.
