Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Sat 4 April 2026 17:00, UK

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Celtic manager Martin O’Neill can give a huge hint towards Colby Donovan’s short-term future at the club if he picks Anthony Ralston to start at right-back against Dundee.

O’Neill is experiencing a right-back dilemma of sorts ahead of Celtic’s trip to Dundee this weekend after the international break.

Bournemouth loanee Julian Araujo may not play for the club again this season after suffering a quad sprain that ruled him out of previous games against Motherwell and Dundee United.

Alistair Johnston is still sidelined with a hamstring problem but is set to return to action relatively soon, leaving Donovan and Ralston battling it out to start at Dens Park on Sunday.

Celtic’s next match will be crucial in their quest to win the Premiership this season, but it is unclear if O’Neill will trust Donovan despite starting him last time out.

Colby Donovan surely set to be loaned out if he is snubbed for Anthony Ralston

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.

He has made 26 appearances from either right-back or centre-back across all competitions, with O’Neill handing him starts in both of their last two Premiership matches.

He suffered a knock against Motherwell, but is set to be available to start again this weekend in the absence of Araujo.

Ralston is the other right-back option at O’Neill’s disposal, and his extensive experience compared to the teenager could mean he starts on Sunday.

Donovan also did not have his best game last time out against the Steelmen, with 66 per cent pass accuracy and a clear lack of attacking output throughout.

There is every chance that Ralston is given the nod to prove his worth to the club, with that decision potentially hinting at what could happen with Donovan this summer.

Football Insider recently revealed that Donovan could leave Celtic on loan ahead of next season, and that looks even more likely to happen if he is dropped this weekend.

What is the latest on Araujo and Johnston’s respective injuries?

Celtic fans will be wary of either Donovan or Ralston starting on Sunday, with many pining for Johnston to return as soon as possible after his long injury layoff.

The Canadian right-back has not played since October after suffering a serious hamstring tear, but is believed to be closing in on a return this month.

He has admitted that he does not have a particular return date in mind, but wants to be ready to play when the Premiership splits off after the next two games.

There have been conflicting reports around Araujo’s injury, with some outlets saying that he will not play again this season, while The Sun have claimed that the outlook is much more optimistic and he could also be back in time for the split.