Celtic boss gives Johnston and Iheanacho updates

Both players have been sidelined since Celtic’s previous Europa League match, when Iheanacho was forced off early in the 2–1 win over Sturm Graz and Johnston followed soon after with an injury of his own.

Neither player has appeared since O’Neill took charge last Wednesday, and ahead of Celtic’s Europa League clash with Midtjylland this evening, the 73 year-old was asked whether Johnston had made the trip and was available to play.

“He’s not fit,” replied O’Neill via Celtic’s official YouTube channel. He was then asked the same question whether Iheanacho had travelled with the group. His reply was the same: “he’s not fit.”

Celtic approach this evening’s encounter in Denmark confident following a 3–1 semi final win over theRangers in the Premier Sports League Cup.

Hampden hero Callum Osmand netted his side’s third goal in the Glasgow Derby over the weekend and has since been included in the Europa League squad, replacing the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers.

According to UEFA rules, teams are permitted to swap out players who are sidelined with long-term injuries in their registered squad.

When asked if he can recall a player making an immediate impact in his professional career like Osmand, O’Neill said: “Well, I think the impact is because he scores against theRangers now, and that’s very big in itself. And the fact that he slid in like a proper centre-forward, and put the ball in the net.

“I mean, it’s great for him. I think that he’s got a really good attitude. You think that he’s got this potential, that you feel as if you could work with him, and it might be a joy. But it might not be, and it might not be for the next manager coming up.”

O’Neill added: “So I don’t know. But he is not lacking in confidence, but he’s not cocky or anything like that.”

“He knows what he wants to do, which is really pleasing. Now, would he be… Is he the short-term answer? Who knows? Who knows at this minute? But it’s a great start for him, and he’s delighted with it, and I’m delighted with him.”

Osmand is likely to be on the bench this evening but should be given his European debut at some stage and no-one would be too surprised if he makes an immediate impact at this level, just as he did at Hampden on Sunday, with his goal finally killing off theRangers’ slim chances.

Here’s Martin O’Neill’s entertaining media conference which includes a wee power nap, maybe caused by his intense schedule over the past week or so or maybe just the mundane mainstream media questioning. Who knows?

Conor Spence

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