Alistair Johnston has delivered a timely update for Celtic supporters as he nears a return from injury, with the right-back set to rejoin training at Lennoxtown in the coming days.
Johnston has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the Champions League qualifying defeat to Kairat Almaty, a match that saw him stretchered off after pulling up in the first leg. It’s been a frustrating spell for the Canadian international, but the signs now point to a return to full fitness not far away.
On Wednesday, Celtic marked Johnston’s birthday with a message on social media. The defender replied via his Instagram story with a brief but welcome message: “Thank you. Back soon…”
That short response has already lifted some spirits within the support, with Johnston’s all-action style and no-nonsense defending missed in recent weeks. His return will be a boost for Brendan Rodgers, especially with a heavy run of fixtures ahead following the international break — starting with a trip to Dundee, followed by a crucial European clash with Sturm Graz, and a top-of-the-table visit to Hearts.
Whether Johnston will be fit in time for the Dens Park fixture remains to be seen. It may come a little too soon for a full return to the matchday squad, but he’s not far away.
In his absence, both Anthony Ralston and Colby Donavan have stepped in, with Ralston offering his usual commitment and effort, while the Scotland Under 21 international, Donavan, has looked assured out wide. Their contributions have at least eased the pressure on Rodgers during Johnston’s spell out, and provided the manager with genuine decisions to make moving forward.
But there’s no doubt about it — Celtic are a better side with Alistair Johnston available. His return can’t come soon enough.
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