After a breakthrough campaign at Celtic last season, Colby Donovan has gone from strength to strength in the famous green and white colours.

That’s why it should be no surprise that Celtic have tied down Donovan to a new contract, which they officially announced on Monday evening.

On Sunday, Donovan started as Celtic beat Hibernian 2-1 at Easter Road to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership table, and now he has penned a deal until the summer of 2031.

Martin O’Neill, who has played a key role in Donovan’s rise during these past 12 months, expressed his delight and stated that it’s ‘fantastic news’ for the champions of Scotland, as he told CelticPlayer.

Martin O’Neill hails Colby Donovan after he signs a new Celtic contract until 2031

“Colby extending his contract with the club is fantastic news for us,” said O’Neill. “Although still a very young player, he has shown such maturity, strength and resilience. In fact, he has been exceptional for us.

“He has come in when we needed him, given everything for our cause and shown what a quality player he is. He is a young man with a tremendous attitude, and with a recent international call-up as well, he has had a phenomenal few months.

“I know the love Colby has for the club, and I know what signing this deal means to him and his family. I am sure that he will continue to progress and enjoy a very big future in the game, and I am so pleased that he sees his long-term future at Celtic.”

What the numbers say about Donovan at Celtic…

It could be argued that if Alistair Johnston didn’t have consistent injury issues, then Donovan wouldn’t have earned as much game time as he has done.

But it’s all about taking your chances when it is handed to you, and Celtic’s rising right-back has done just that, and he is one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Added to that, Donovan earned a call to the Scotland set-up, but he is yet to make his debut under Sébastien Pocognoli, which is surely around the corner.

Not forgetting that the 20-year-old, who has come through the Celtic academy, has done this all during a chaotic period for the club.

Donovan has already worked under three different coaches, but despite that instability and different messaging, his quality with and without the ball has continued to rise.

You can see it and feel it on the field of play that he is taking steps forward; it’s just a case of him needing better quality and stability around him.

Whether it’s through injuries, form, discipline, or recruitment, there has been so much chopping and changing at the heart of defence, including in between the sticks.

Once again, none of this is helpful to Donovan, including the continual change at right wing. From Camilo Duran to Hyunjun Yang.

But as Donovan is proving this season, he has been a consistent performer, including earning himself a rating of over seven in the Premiership.