Celtic’s backline has had a familiar theme to it in recent weeks, as Martin O’Neill’s side hold a four-point lead at the top of the Premiership table.

Dane Murray has been part of that backline, which includes his fellow Celtic academy products, Kieran Tierney and Colby Donovan.

Colby Donovan is like Kieran Tierney

Donovan’s rise has been amazing to see in the last 12 months, and it must be applauded because of the chaos at Celtic during that period.

Even though Donovan has had to work under three different coaches, he has still progressed into a player who now deserves to start week in and week out for the champions of Scotland.

Murray understands the pain, joy, difficulty and effort you need to put in and go through to make that breakthrough, and he wanted to give Donovan his flowers.

“Buzzing for him, he deserves it, that’s for sure,” said Murray on Donovan’s new contract. “He has started this season really well. It hasn’t been long since he came into first team football. I think it was Livingston last season; it was his first appearance.

“He has done brilliantly for himself. I am glad. I am sure the fans are glad that he has signed a new long-term deal here.

“They are probably similar (Donovan and Tierney). I doubt Colby will be shy about admitting that he looks up to KT. Heart on his sleeve. 100% every time he is on that pitch wearing the jersey. I am delighted for him.”

Donovan and Tierney’s numbers compared this season

In terms of what’s on the eye, Donovan has a lot of energy on that right flank, and he has a tremendous engine, just like Tierney did before his injuries.

Yes, Tierney has lost that bit of power he used to have, but it still doesn’t mean he isn’t a top performer for his boyhood club.

The energy and aggression the duo play with are pretty similar. It’s now a case of how far Donovan can take his game because there is serious quality there.

What’s interesting is that Donovan is outperforming his senior teammate in many departments this season, but Tierney has four goal involvements in eight league games.

So, now it’s a case of Donovan adding to his numbers and starting to fine-tune his game even further, because he is yet to score or assist this term.