Teenager Colby Donovan’s Celtic breakthrough could encourage more academy players to reach the first team, Martin O’Neill believes.
The 19-year-old right-back stepped in for injured Alistair Johnston during Celtic’s Champions League play-off first leg against LASK on Wednesday.
Martin O’Neill said: “I would hope so, really.”
He believes Donovan’s emergence could encourage Liam Kennedy and Sean McArdle, who are in Celtic’s B team. O’Neill added: “We’ve got a couple of young lads as well, in the B team, that I think will be really good players.
“A boy called Liam Kennedy is a really good footballer. And I’m hoping that wee Sean McArdle pushes on and comes right through.
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“They need a wee bit of luck somewhere along the way."
O’Neill brought Shaun Maloney, Aiden McGeady and John Kennedy into Celtic’s senior squad during his first spell in charge.
Donovan is the latest academy player to make an impact, with new Scotland head coach Sebastian Pocognoli watching from the stands at Celtic Park in midweek. “If it was in pure heart alone, Colby would be the captain,” O’Neill added.
“I suppose any young Scot that can handle an occasion like that, I think it’s lovely. Honestly, it’s really nice to see.
"I know I’ve signed some foreign players, but I think you mentioned Scotland last week about the dearth of young players coming through.”
