Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has provided opportunities to his young players this summer and two of them left another positive impression on him in Saturday's opening match of the Hoops' U.S. tour.
Colby Donovan and Matthew Anderson both got the starting nod in Celtic's eventual 4-0 victory over DC United at Audi Field. Both players have continued to knock on the door of the first team squad, fighting to be part of the plans for the upcoming Scottish Premiership season.
Donovan started and played 62 minutes for Celtic at right back, showing positive moments on both ends of the field. The 17-year-old academy product made 12 appearances for Celtic's B team last season, which has led to a larger first team role during this summer's pre-season.
No decision has been made on whether or not Donovan will stay with the first team for the start of Scottish Premiership play in August, but he certainly didn't hurt his stock on Saturday.
"Colby is 17, he's really aggressive and strong, and I think once he develops physically and understands the game even more then he'll be a good player," Rodgers said post match to reporters when asked about Donovan.
"He works very hard, he has personality, which you need if you want to play for Celtic. It was nice to see him tonight with the first team and performing at a high level.
Read more:
- Celtic must offer pathway after Daniel Kelly becomes latest concern
- 'Important': Adam Idah to Celtic directly addressed by Norwich City manager
20-year-old Anderson logged 45 minutes at left back, coming close to finding the back of the net in the first half. Anderson, a Scottish youth national team player, spent last season on loan with Austrian second-tier side FC Admira Wacker, scoring once and adding six assists in 22 appearances.
Although he only just arrived back in the Celtic squad this summer, Anderson has shown stellar growth in a short period of time.
"Matthew is obviously a bit older, he's had the opportunity to go out and work on loan and now he's shown that he's progressed," Rodgers said. "He was a real attacking threat and was really unfortunate to not score tonight. I was pleased with both of them [Anderson and Donovan] tonight."
Tougher opposition awaits for Celtic in the coming week with both Manchester City and Chelsea facing them in the Hoops' final two matches of their U.S. tour. Donovan and Anderson did well to boost their stock against DC United, but delivering similar showings against two of the Premier League's well-known sides could be what pushes them over the top.
