Celtic’s 3-0 win over Livingston wasn’t just about Benjamin Nygren’s brace or Johnny Kenny’s first Parkhead goal. It was also a day to remember for young academy prospect Colby Donavan, who made his senior debut in front of a packed Celtic Park.

The teenager was handed his chance by Brendan Rodgers in the closing stages of the match, coming on as a late second-half substitute. It marked a milestone for the youth player, who has been making waves in the academy setup and now finds himself introduced to first-team action during a comfortable Premiership win. Tierney himself was rested ahead of the Kairat game on Tuesday. 

After the final whistle, Colby’s big moment was picked up by a man who knows exactly what it means to break through from Lennoxtown into the Celtic first team – Kieran Tierney. The Hoops defender, himself a product of the academy, took to Instagram to post his delight at seeing another young Celt come through the ranks.

“Buzzing for you mate, congrats,” Tierney wrote on his story

“Buzzing for you mate, congrats,”

For Donavan, it was the perfect way to cap off an evening where Celtic extended their flawless start to the Premiership season. Nygren and Kenny grabbed the goals, but the applause for the academy bhoy as he stepped onto the pitch showed how much supporters value seeing one of their own given a chance.

Rodgers has often spoken about the importance of creating a pathway from the academy to the first team, and Donavan’s introduction highlights that commitment.

For Donavan, this Parkhead debut will be a night he will never forget. For Celtic supporters, it’s another glimpse of the future – and it clearly has the seal of approval from one of the club’s most beloved modern-day academy graduates.