Martin O’Neill has praised Colby Donovan after the Celtic full-back received his first senior Scotland call-up.
The young defender was named in Sebastien Pocognoli’s Scotland squad after his start to the season. O’Neill said the recognition was deserved and could support Donovan’s progress.
Speaking to Celtic Player, manager O’Neill said: “I am delighted for him, absolutely delighted. He’s got a massive heart.
"There are obviously parts of his game that he can tidy up, which he is willing to do.”
O’Neill praised Donovan’s approach at the training ground and his desire to improve. He said: “He’s a great character as well too. He never seems to be down at all, and always has that proverbial smile on his face.
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“Coming into training, Colby wants to work hard, he wants to learn, and this is great for him, really great.”
The call-up follows a period in which Donovan has become an increasingly important player for Celtic. It also gives the right-back an opportunity to work at international level under Scotland’s new manager.
O’Neill said the chance could raise Donovan’s confidence. He said: “Genuinely, it’s the icing on the cake, isn’t it, really? And with Scotland qualifying now for competitions, it would be great to be involved with that.
“But it’s a big lift, and that will give him a big boost of confidence as well.”
