There has been one positive that has come out of Alistair Johnston’s persistent injury problems during the past 12 months: Colby Donovan.

The Celtic academy product wouldn’t have got anywhere near the number of minutes and starts he has earned during that period, had Johnston managed to stay away from the treatment room.

Peter Grant gives Colby Donovan his flowers after Celtic beat Kilmarnock

Celtic have had several right-backs during the past 12 months, including loan player Julian Araujo, as well as Anthony Ralston.

Araujo, who has since returned to Bournemouth and is still recovering from injury, played ahead of Donovan when he signed last January.

But the Scotland hopeful has continued to march on, and it could be argued that he is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Speaking to CelticPlayer, Grant explained the small parts of Donovan’s game he is liking, from his defensive work to what he does going forward.

“He was terrific again,” said Grant. “He is defending his one-v-ones. He is defending his back post very well, but he is getting forward. He is positive about everything he has done, so he can be really pleased with the way he has performed.” 

Donovan’s stats in the Premiership this season

Johnston is expected to return after the international break, and Celtic can’t afford to have him visit the treatment room again.

Therefore, it would be wise and the correct choice for the Canadian international to play second fiddle to Donovan in the coming months.

Not only does the rising Celtic star deserve it, but it prevents those at Lennoxtown from throwing themselves in the hole once again with Johnston’s injury troubles.

Nonetheless, over the course of the campaign, Donovan has earned himself a rating of just under seven by Sofascore, and he has played an average of 77 minutes.

• Premiership games: 13
• Starts: 11
• Clean sheets: 4
• Accurate passes: 86%
• Accurate long balls: 51%
• Interceptions per game: 1.2
• Tackles per game: 2.3
• Balls recovered per game: 3.8
• Total duels won: 58%
• Number of sprints per game: 16.3
• Top speed: 35.8 km/h
• Sofascore rating: 6.97