Chris Sutton compares Celtic defender to Italy icon Andrea Pirlo after win over Motherwell

Celtic were heavily criticised for their attacking output before the international break, and for how everything had gone out the window.

But for Celtic’s win over Motherwell on Sunday, that spark and freshness was back, with the midfield and attacking line rightfully getting plaudits for their performance.

However, they weren’t the only ones making the ball talk in the final third, because Colby Donovan also produced another strong display from right-back.

So much so that Chris Sutton compared the Celtic teenager to Italy and AC Milan legend Andrea Pirlo during the game.

In the second half, Donovan picked up the ball deep from the right flank, and he played a ridiculous low cross right into the path of Kasper Hogh, bypassing several Motherwell players.

This isn’t the first time Donovan has played such delightful balls forward, because he has done this before, and for the same player – go back to the Rangers game at Ibrox, as well as the Champions League qualifier against LASK.

But Sutton was in awe of what he saw from the right-back at Fir Park, including how his delivery was ‘inch perfect’ for his teammate.

It got Celtic’s former striker so excited that he proceeded to compare Donovan to one of Italy’s greatest ever players, as he expressed on Sky Sports.

Chris Sutton: “Absolutely bang on. That was a pass. Gets his head up, and that’s inch perfect. But Kasper Hogh, just doesn’t have the confidence.

“That was a good pass out by Donovan; he was like Pirlo, wasn’t he?! Well, he has been for the last five minutes.”

Ian Crocker: “I am not sure anybody has ever said that about him.”

If it wasn’t for Alistair Johnston’s persistent injuries, starting from last season, then you question whether Donovan would have played so many games.

But the Celtic academy product has taken whatever has come his way, and he is looking every bit of a first-team player for the champions of Scotland.