Celtic Duo Return to Training Ahead of AC Milan

By
Michael Shearer
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Celtic defender Alistair Johnston
23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates with Alistair Johnston of Celtic after he shoots and scores in the 19th minute to make it 1-0 to Celtic

Alistair Johnston and Johnny Kenny were both seen in Celtic training on Thursday as Martin O’Neill’s players stepped up their preparations for the visit of AC Milan.

The pair featured in the latest Unfiltered training video posted by CelticPlayer ahead of Saturday’s final pre-season friendly at Celtic Park.

Johnston had been given extra time off after representing Canada at the World Cup, while Kenny has been recovering from the knee injury he suffered during his loan spell with Bolton Wanderers.

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston
23rd May 2026; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Cup Final Football, Celtic versus Dunfermline; Alistair Johnston of Celtic

Seeing both players back on the training pitch will be a boost for O’Neill as Celtic move closer to the start of the competitive season.


Johnston had been expected to return around the time of the AC Milan game after missing the early part of Celtic’s pre-season programme.

The right-back has been a regular since joining the club and will now focus on getting minutes into his legs before the league campaign gets underway.

It is not yet clear whether Johnston will play against AC Milan, but his appearance in Thursday’s session shows that he is now back with the squad.

Kenny’s involvement is also encouraging after the striker suffered an LCL injury while playing for Bolton last season. The problem ended his loan spell early, although he avoided surgery.

O’Neill had previously suggested that Kenny was still a few weeks away from returning to full fitness. His appearance in the training footage is a positive sign, but Celtic have not confirmed whether he is back in full training or ready to feature this weekend.

Celtic FC Striker Johnny Kenny
30th November 2025; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Johnny Kenny of Celtic

The 23-year-old now faces an important few weeks as he looks to show O’Neill that he can be part of his plans for the new season.

Celtic are still looking at attacking options in the transfer market, while new striker Camilo Durán has already made a strong start by scoring twice in his first two appearances.

Saturday’s game against AC Milan will be Celtic’s final warm-up match before the competitive action begins. Johnston’s return gives O’Neill another experienced option in defence, while Kenny’s progress could add more depth to the forward line.