Martin O’Neill Provides Alistair Johnston Return Timeline

Martin O’Neill has confirmed Alistair Johnston will miss Celtic’s league clash with St Mirren, but there is hope he could be involved in next weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.

The right-back returned to training this week after his recent injury setback while away with Canada. There was an initial boost seeing him back involved, but the club are taking a careful approach given what has already happened.

Johnston had previously pushed to return, only to suffer another issue during the international break. That has shaped the thinking this time around. There is no rush to get him back into a match situation too early.

Celtic go into the St Mirren game needing a result, but the focus with Johnston is on the bigger picture. The Hampden tie offers a different kind of test, and having him available there would give the team more balance on the right side.

O’Neill said: (STV), “Johnston trained with the team today, which was very encouraging. I don’t think he felt any ill effects, but he did join in before and then reinjured himself with the national team.

“We need him as soon as possible…if he comes through today and with a good week’s training next week, who knows.”

That timeline leaves a gap for the weekend. Celtic will need to adjust again at right-back, whether that means shifting personnel or asking someone else to fill the role.

The position matters in how Celtic build attacks. Johnston’s runs stretch the pitch and create space further up the line. Without that, the play can become narrow and easier to defend.

This situation comes alongside O’Neill confirming Julian Araujo is out for the season, leaving Celtic short in that area at a key stage. It places even more focus on getting Johnston back fit without rushing the process.

For now, the aim is clear. Get Johnston through a full week of training without any issues. If that happens, Hampden becomes a realistic target rather than a risk.