Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan has welcomed Alistair Johnston’s return, with the full-back now back involved after a long time out and getting solid work into his legs on the training pitch.
Johnston came back off the bench against Falkirk, but the real work has been done in the weeks before that. Time back in training has helped him get back up to speed, both with his fitness and how Celtic want to play.
His role is not just about defending. Johnston gets forward early, overlaps the winger, and keeps the right side moving. That gives Celtic another way to attack, especially when teams sit deep and try to crowd the middle.
His return also changes the picture at right-back. Tony Ralston has stepped in during his absence and offers something different. Having both of them available lifts the level in that position, especially with games coming thick and fast now.
McCowan has seen that up close in training and on matchday.
He said: (TCW), “It is great to have AJ back. It is huge for us; you see his standards in training. He and Tony [Ralston, Celtic’s other right-back] are amazing for each other. They push each other to the max.
“To get him back at this crucial part of the season is amazing for us.”
Having Johnston back gives Celtic more control down that flank. His timing going forward opens space, and his pace helps when the ball breaks the other way.
Ralston has done well while Johnston was out, but having both ready gives Martin O’Neill more freedom. He can change things without losing shape or energy on that side.
The Falkirk game showed glimpses. Quick runs, sharp passing, and a willingness to take the ball in tight areas.
He is not fully back yet. Minutes will be built up carefully. But he is moving in the right direction.
At this stage of the season, having that option matters when games are tight and small changes can shift things.
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