Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Mon 6 April 2026 19:02, UK

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Celtic right-back Colby Donovan looks more likely to leave on loan this summer after his handball saw Dundee given a penalty as the two sides met on Easter Sunday.

Donovan was handed a third successive start for Celtic as they travelled to Fir Park looking to stay in the title race alongside Hearts and Rangers.

Hyun-jun Yang poked the visitors ahead early on, but the 19-year-old handed Dundee a fine chance to equalise in the second half as he gave a penalty away for handball, with the spot kick then converted by Simon Murray.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s late strike gave the Hoops all three points, but Donovan’s performance left a lot to be desired as he was one of the first players to make way for Martin O’Neill’s side.

O’Neill has hinted that he could be involved in Celtic’s transfer plans in an advisory role this summer, with Donovan surely now more likely to be let go on loan ahead of next term.

Colby Donovan was unimpressive as he conceded penalty vs Dundee

19-year-old Donovan has stepped up to be a regular in Celtic’s senior squad this season after working his way up their youth ranks, with 27 appearances across all competitions so far.

Football Insider recently revealed that Donovan could leave Celtic on loan ahead of next season, and that looks even more likely to happen following his latest performance.

He offered the Hoops nothing going forward against a side in the relegation battle who have the fourth-worst defence in the Premiership this season.

Donovan’s statistics also highlight how he failed to deal with Dundee winger Tony Yogane and looked out of sorts from a defensive point of view too.

He could not do much about the penalty he conceded, but his inexperience was clear to see with how far away he pulled his arm from his body to block the shot.

Anthony Ralston did not shine when he came on for the 19-year-old, but his experience looks likely to mean he will be ahead of him in the pecking order under a new boss.

Julian Araujo injury update is bad news for Donovan

There had been fears among Celtic fans that Bournemouth loanee Araujo would not play for the club again after he suffered a quad sprain last month.

O’Neill confirmed last week, however, that he fully expects him to return before the end of the campaign as he progresses well in recovery with the Cherries.

Alistair Johnston is nearing match fitness and could feature for the Hoops very soon, so Araujo’s return would push Donovan down the right-back pecking order before the season finishes.

The less he plays, the more likely he seems to leave this summer, while the possibility of the Mexican making a permanent move to Parkhead will also improve if he impresses in the coming weeks.