Colby Donovan’s return to training at Lennoxtown has gone largely unnoticed during Celtic’s hectic title run-in.
The young defender has been back working with the squad after his recent injury setback, but there has been little attention on his recovery following Sunday’s win over Rangers.
That could change tonight at Fir Park.
It will be interesting to see whether Donovan returns to the bench against Motherwell after missing the last few weeks following Celtic’s victory over Dundee before his hamstring problem emerged.
At one point, there were fears the injury might keep him out for the rest of the run-in. Instead, Donovan is now back on the training pitch and pushing to be involved again before the season ends.
Even with Alistair Johnston fully fit again, that still gives Celtic another useful option defensively heading into the final three matches.
Anthony Ralston has filled in well during Johnston’s absence at different points this season, but Donovan had quietly started making progress before the injury interrupted things.
Martin O’Neill trusted him in some demanding fixtures.
The 19-year-old featured regularly in Europe, started league matches away to Hearts and Rangers and looked comfortable enough in possession to suggest Celtic see real potential there long term.
His ability to play in different defensive roles also helps.
While he has operated at right-back for Celtic, Donovan has featured across the back line for Scotland Under-21s and looks comfortable moving inside during build-up play instead of simply hugging the touchline.
That flexibility becomes useful at this stage of the season when injuries, fatigue and squad rotation all start becoming factors.
There is no certainty Donovan will come straight back into tonight’s matchday squad. O’Neill may prefer keeping things settled with experienced players while the title race remains alive.
Still, having Donovan back training again is encouraging.
For younger players, long injury absences can easily stop momentum just as it starts building. Donovan now has a chance to get involved again before the campaign finishes instead of spending the summer trying to catch up physically.
And after handling several difficult matches well earlier in the season, he could still have a role to play before Celtic’s season is done.
