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New Scotland boss Sébastien Pocognoli was watching closely as Celtic dismantled LASK 3-0 in a commanding Champions League performance at Celtic Park.
Pocognoli arrived in the job just three days earlier, yet wasted no time heading to Glasgow to begin his research into potential international candidates.
The new national team manager had already spoken about the demands of the role, stating he was “doing a lot of research, asking a lot of questions” as he settles into the position.
Pocognoli will be well acquainted with much of the Celtic squad, with established internationals James Forrest, Tony Ralston, and Callum McGregor collectively holding 131 caps between them.
He will also be familiar with Kieran Tierney, whose decisive strike against Denmark helped send Scotland to its first World Cup of this century over the summer.
However, the player who made the strongest impression on the night was teenage right-back Colby Donovan, who delivered a standout display in both defensive and attacking phases of play.
Donovan came into the side in place of first-choice right-back Alistair Johnston, who is currently sidelined through injury, and the teenager seized the opportunity with both hands.
The youngster’s performance offered genuine encouragement that a difficult selection conversation may be necessary once Johnston returns to full fitness and competes for his place.
Donovan already has experience at international level, having represented Scotland Under-21s, meaning the step up to senior consideration is not entirely uncharted territory for him.
Johnston’s absence has opened a window of opportunity at club level, and Donovan has consistently impressed when trusted with high-profile starts in European competition this season.
A Champions League performance of this quality, delivered in front of the national team manager just days into his reign, could hardly have been timed more perfectly for the young defender.
Pocognoli is clearly determined to make early assessments and cast a wide net as he shapes his squad, and Donovan has given him a very compelling case to consider.
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