Chris Sutton Singles Out Celtic Star After LASK Rout With Huge Verdict

Celtic legend Chris Sutton has heaped praise on one of the club’s standout performers after Martin O’Neill’s side produced an impressive 3–0 victory over LASK in their Champions League play-off first leg.

The Scottish champions delivered a statement performance at Celtic Park on Wednesday night, putting themselves in a commanding position ahead of the return fixture in Austria.

While Camilo Durán grabbed plenty of attention with two excellent goals and Benjamin Nygren also found the net, Sutton was particularly impressed by the display of young defender Colby Donovan.

The former Celtic striker took to social media after the final whistle to praise several players, but it was Donovan who received perhaps the biggest compliment.

Sutton described the youngster’s performance as his best in a Celtic shirt, a major endorsement considering the defender has only recently begun making a bigger impact at first-team level.

Donovan was given the opportunity to step up in the absence of Alistair Johnston and responded with an assured performance. His defensive work, composure and willingness to contribute going forward helped Celtic maintain control for long periods.

Sutton also had plenty of positive words for goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, describing his display as outstanding.

The Finnish goalkeeper was required to make important interventions as LASK created opportunities, and his contribution helped Celtic protect their clean sheet.

Durán was another obvious talking point.

The forward produced two superb finishes to cap an excellent attacking performance, while his movement and relentless work rate caused problems for the Austrian visitors throughout the evening.

Sutton also highlighted Kasper Høgh despite the striker failing to get his name on the scoresheet.

The Danish forward provided Celtic with an important focal point, giving his teammates an option to play into and occupying the LASK defence with his physical presence.

However, Sutton was keen to prevent Celtic supporters from getting carried away.

Despite the convincing scoreline, he pointed out that LASK had opportunities to score and could have punished Celtic on another night.

That means Celtic still have work to do in the second leg, even though their three-goal advantage gives them an excellent platform.

The victory nevertheless represents a huge boost for O’Neill and his players.

After a difficult European campaign last season, Celtic now look far more dangerous in attack, while the emergence of players such as Donovan gives the manager further reasons for optimism.

For Celtic supporters, Sutton’s assessment of Donovan will be particularly encouraging.

A young defender stepping into the side and producing what a former Celtic star considers his best performance in the famous green-and-white shirt could prove to be one of the most significant developments from an already memorable European night.

Celtic now have one foot in the Champions League, but Sutton’s warning remains clear: the job is not finished yet.