Alistair Johnston took another step forward in his return from injury with 64 minutes on the pitch in Celtic’s win over Hibernian at Easter Road.
It was his first league start in months, and the right-back looked sharp early on. He provided the assist for Daizen Maeda’s opener and gave Celtic width down the right side.
The timing of his return matters. With only a handful of games left, Celtic need players who can get up and down the pitch and maintain tempo from full-back.
Johnston’s role in that is clear. He overlaps, but he also makes underlapping runs into the box, which gives Celtic a different option when teams sit in.
He is still building back to full fitness and learning what is expected under Martin O’Neill.
He said: (TCW), “The guys, the time I’ve been out, I’ve seen how they’ve fought, how they’ve worked day in, day out up at the training ground. So it’s no surprise to me that we’re still finding ways to grind out results.
“I’m just trying to play my part at the end of the day. I know I’m a fullback. I’m not going to be going up there. I’m not the number nine coming in, hopefully going to score six goals in the last couple of games! I’m just going to try and chip in whatever way I can.
“And that’s been the great part about this squad is we’ve always had such depth here. I think whoever’s played right back this whole season… They’ve all done a great job and added their own kind of elements to the game. And for me watching that, I’ve tried to pick up little things as well.
“And I also know my own game, how I can help the team. So it’s been good. I think I’m just adding another profile, kind of a different way, a different style.
“And again, that was my first kind of match under Martin [O’Neill]. So just trying to figure out how he wants a fullback to play versus how I play and finding that happy medium where it works for his kind of style, but also fits into my player kind of profile and how I like to play as well.”
Johnston’s minutes will be managed over the next week. After such a long spell out, the focus is on getting him through games without setbacks.
His performance at Easter Road showed what he brings. He was involved high up the pitch and still got back into position when Hibs broke forward.
That balance is key. Under O’Neill, the full-backs still need to support attacks, but there is also an emphasis on being set when possession is lost.
Celtic now face Rangers, Motherwell, and Hearts in quick succession. Johnston may not start all three, but having him available changes the shape of the team.
His return also allows rotation with Anthony Ralston, which keeps the level steady in that position.
For Johnston, the focus is simple. Stay fit, build minutes, and fit into the system.
