Martin O’Neill has given the clearest update yet on Alistair Johnston’s return, with the Celtic boss confirming the defender will miss the semi-final against St Mirren but is moving closer to full fitness. The right-back has been back in training, though this weekend comes just too early.
O’Neill has had to manage without Johnston for his time in charge. The injury picked up earlier in the season turned into a longer spell out after a setback, and that has left the right side of the defence unsettled at times.
There have been better signs this week. O’Neill has seen Johnston back working with the squad, taking part in sessions after months of recovery work away from full training. That shift is where the focus now sits.
Looking ahead, O’Neill is already pointing towards next weekend. The trip to face Falkirk is being viewed as a more realistic target, with the Premiership run-in also in mind.
He said: (Daily Record), “Probably a bit too early now for Ali Johnston. He has trained with us this week, that’s really good news. No ill effects.
“I know doing some small sided games is not big games at all, but that’s really encouraging.
“I’d have thought so. (more looking towards the Premiership run-in)
“Alistair has done really well Had Alistair not had a setback in Canada, I think he’d have been ready for now.”
O’Neill’s mention of that setback is where the delay comes from. Johnston had been close during the international break, only for the issue to return while away with Canada. That pushed everything back again.
Even now, O’Neill will need to manage the next steps. Training games are one thing, but stepping into a full match brings a different demand, especially with the pace of fixtures coming up.
Celtic have rotated in that position during Johnston’s absence. Without him, the team has lacked a natural outlet on that side when building attacks.
Getting him back for the run-in gives O’Neill another option. It changes how Celtic can use the right flank and offers more support higher up the pitch.
For now, O’Neill has made the situation clear. Johnston won’t be ready for Sunday, but the return is getting closer.
