Alistair Johnston is edging closer to a long-awaited return and has opened up on just how tough his injury battle has been.
The Celtic right-back has been away with Canada during the international break, linking up with the squad ahead of a home World Cup this summer.
He hasn’t featured on the pitch, but he did make his TV debut and used the opportunity to give supporters an honest insight into his recovery.
Johnston has been sidelined since last year after suffering a serious hamstring tear, having already struggled with the issue earlier in the season before re-injuring it and undergoing surgery.
And the 27-year-old admits it’s been far worse than a typical injury.
Speaking during his TV appearance on TSN, he said: “No, it’s come a long way but again I’ve learned through the hard way that a hamstring is a really finicky injury.
“I would take a broken bone over it every day of the year. With bone breaks like that it really is just a pain barrier thing.
“And I haven’t ever really struggled with that. But with this you get to feeling about 90% so quickly but then you’re talking to your physios and the surgeon and he’s saying, ‘Yeah, you still got 3 months more to go.’
“And it’s like, ‘Wow, how is that possible?’ But that’s just what it is.”
There is light at the end of the tunnel, though.
Johnston is targeting a return in time for the split , a major boost for Celtic as they look to finish the season strongly.
But uncertainty still surrounds the full-back position.
Julian Araujo’s fitness remains unclear, while Colby Donovan is another concern after picking up a knock, leaving fans waiting on further updates as the run-in approaches.
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