Celtic have secured the long-term future of Colby Donovan, with the academy graduate signing a new contract that will keep him at Parkhead until 2031.

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His performances have earned praise from O’Neill, while the defender’s development has also seen him receive recognition at international level with Scotland.

The new agreement represents another significant milestone for a player who has progressed through Celtic’s academy and is now competing for a regular starting place.

Speaking to CelticPlayer after putting pen to paper, Donovan admitted the speed of his rise had been remarkable.

“I’m over the moon. As a young boy coming through at Celtic, you thrive to be a first-team player, and to think where I am now and where I was a year ago today, it’s been a rollercoaster.

“I’ve loved every single minute, but it doesn’t stop now. I’m just going to keep kicking on.”

Donovan made his senior debut against Livingston in August 2025 before earning further opportunities as injuries affected Celtic’s defensive options.

He went on to make 28 first-team appearances during the 2025/26 campaign, gaining experience in the Premiership and European competition.

His involvement has continued this season, with O’Neill placing considerable trust in the youngster during Johnston’s absence.

Donovan started Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road before being replaced by Johnston early in the second half.

The Canadian’s subsequent injury scare has created further uncertainty at right-back, with Donovan among the options available ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Dundee United.

However, the youngster has made it clear that he always believed he could establish himself at Celtic, despite the competition for places.

“You’ve got to have that belief as a young player coming through here at Celtic. You see all the signings that they bring in and it’s a top club they expect to win every single week.

“So as a young player, it’s tough, but you always need to believe, and I know for certain when I was a kid, I knew I could come through and do it.”

Donovan also highlighted the influence of the academy graduates who have gone on to become established figures at Celtic.

Captain Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and Tony Ralston have all provided examples for the young defender to follow.

The opportunity to share a dressing room with players he once watched as a youngster has made his breakthrough even more special.

“All the Academy boys that have come through have been brilliant. You see Callum and James, KT and Raldo. They’ve all been great servants of this club.

“I love taking bits out of their game. I was a young boy and I used to watch them, growing up, and now I’m playing alongside them and I’m good mates for them. It’s just a dream come true.”

Donovan’s previous contract was due to run until 2028, but the latest extension adds another three years to his commitment to the club.

The defender’s rise has also brought international recognition, with Donovan receiving his first senior Scotland squad call-up in September.

With Johnston’s fitness again under scrutiny, Donovan has an opportunity to continue building on his first-team experience while working towards establishing himself as Celtic’s long-term right-back.