Donovan stays at Celtic despite Dundee interest, Welsh heads to Motherwell | OneFootball

Celtic decided late yesterday in their shambolic transfer window against loaning young defender Colby Donovan to Dundee but Stephen Welsh joined Motherwell on loan…

Anthony Ralston of Celtic substituted for Colby Donovan of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, William Hill Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, UK – 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Steven Pressley was keen to secure the services of the promising 18-year-old right-back for the rest of the season in a bid to help Dundee stay clear of that automatic relegation spot.

However, with Alistair Johnston sidelined by a long-term injury, Donovan will be Brendan Rodgers’ backup right-back from now until Johnston’s return.

The young defender featured as a substitute in his first competitive appearance for the club against Livingston and came on against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan before remaining on the bench at Ibrox in Sunday’s 0-0 draw.

Donovan’s two cameo appearances for his boyhood club have caught attention, and Courier reported that Dundee lost out on the opportunity to bring him to Dens Park on loan.

Colby Donovan of Celtic celebrates their goal to make it 1-2 Cork City v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, Football, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland – 08 July 2025. Photo Lorraine O’Sullivan Shutterstock

Celtic opted to retain the youngster as cover for Anthony Ralston during the Canada international’s absence, with a loan move to Dundee probable if circumstances were different.

Meanwhile, Celtic defender Stephen Welsh made the move to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell on loan last night.

The centre-back – who was linked with a loan move to Plymouth Argyle earlier in the window – will spend the season at Fir Park.

Yet to make an appearance for the Scottish champions this season, Welsh has made 68 appearances for the Scottish champions since his debut five years ago and has two years left on his current deal with the club.

Reports indicated that Welsh was keen to make the move in order to gain increased playing opportunities with loan moves on the final day becoming limited for the centre-back.

With Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty, Dane Murray and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey all ahead of Welsh in the pecking order, it was crucial the 25 year-old secured a move before the window slammed shut.

Jens Berthel Askou’s side have made an impressive start to the season with a new look playing style, but at 25 and playing in the Belgian Pro League during the second half of last season, you have to seriously question if this is a beneficial loan deal for Welsh?

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Eighties – Out Now! In Celtic shops on Friday…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out now!

Celtic in the Eighties by the late, great David Potter is published this Friday 5 September by Celtic Star Books. All pre-ordered copies have now been signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain who has also written the foreword for David Potter’s final book.

These copies have now been posted to everyone who has pre-ordered with copies being send all over the world. It’s been an incredible response, so thank you to each and every one of you who will be receiving your signed book shorty.

Celtic in the Eighties will be available in the Celtic superstore and all other club shops from Friday 5 September. And don’t forget that you can still purchase your copy from Celticstarbooks.com for same day postage. The next 30 orders will also receive a FREE copy of an earlier David Potter book, Alec McNair, Celtic’s Icicle then that wonderful David Potter book will be out of stock.

Order Celtic in the Eighties today, you’ll be glad you did, it’s a fabulous read!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.

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