Colby Donovan signs Celtic contract extension until 2031

Colby Donovan has signed a contract extension with Celtic until the summer of 2031, the club announced on Monday. The 20-year-old academy graduate has committed his future to the Scottish champions after moving into the first-team squad and earning international recognition during a little over a year of senior football.

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Celtic’s announcement traced that progress back to August 2025, when Donovan made his debut as a late substitute in a 3-0 league victory over Livingston at Celtic Park. His first start followed the next month in a 2-1 win at Kilmarnock. He finished last season with 27 appearances, comprising 15 starts and 12 outings from the bench, as Celtic won the league title.

BBC Sport reported that Donovan has again made 15 starts this season and has been manager Martin O’Neill’s preferred replacement for the injured Alistair Johnston. His involvement has therefore continued beyond his debut campaign, with the new agreement extending his stay while he is already being called upon regularly in the senior side.

His club performances also preceded a first Scotland call-up in September. However, BBC Sport noted that he did not play in any of the four Nations League matches under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. That distinction leaves the squad selection as a step forward in his international career, rather than an appearance for the national team.

Speaking to club media in comments carried by the BBC, O’Neill praised Donovan’s commitment when Celtic needed him and highlighted his attitude. The manager also acknowledged how much the agreement meant to the defender and his family. He welcomed Donovan’s decision to remain at Celtic and expressed confidence that the young full-back would continue developing.

Donovan told CelticPlayer that reaching the first team had been his ambition while coming through the academy, but said he intended to keep improving. He described the challenge young players face at a club that recruits new signings and expects victories every week. The defender also credited fellow academy graduates, explaining that players he once watched as a child had become teammates from whom he could learn.