Celtic support given a timely boost on Alistair Johnston’s injury

The Canadian international was originally feared to be facing around three months on the sidelines. However, in a recent appearance on the ‘Park the Bus’ podcast, Johnston revealed that his rehabilitation is progressing ahead of schedule, offering some optimism at least that he could return to action sooner than expected –

“When the original injury happened, I feared the worst,” Johnston admitted.

“Obviously it’s a pretty significant injury still, but I’m actually ahead of where I thought I was going to be. I’m not going to put a timeline on it yet, I’m just taking it day by day. I feel really good, which is the hardest part about the whole thing.

“I feel like I’m ready to go out there and play but obviously there’s still a lot of boxes that need to get checked before I can get back to my full level. I’m hoping to be back in the nearer future than originally expected.”

Johnston has established himself as a nailed-on starter at Celtic, bringing defensive solidity, energy, and crucially, leadership to the team. His presence is even more vital given that his back-up, Tony Ralston, has also been unavailable through injury recently after playing through an injury prior to the international break.

In their absence, the right-back duties have fallen to promising academy prospect Colby Donovan. And, to his credit, Donovan has taken the opportunity with composure beyond his years.

The young defender impressed in pre-season and looked comfortable during his competitive outings off the bench, then impressed as a starter with a confident display against Kilmarnock on Sunday. Donovan’s performances suggest he has the potential to develop into a genuine first-team option in the years ahead, if handled well.

While Johnston’s imminent return may reduce Donovan’s immediate game time, this is exactly the type of pathway Celtic’s academy needs to provide more often, giving youngsters a chance to experience first-team football while learning from senior professionals, and offering an example to other youngster’s coming through that there is a route to first team football at Celtic.

With European football on the horizon however, Johnston’s experience will be invaluable. The Europa League demands both technical quality and experience, and the Canadian is one of the few players in the Celtic squad who also appears vocal on the pitch. His ability to organise the defence, and drive standards, will be crucial as we prepare to test ourselves against continental opposition, so if we could get him back sooner rather than later that would be great news.

For now, the focus, of course, remains on ensuring Johnston’s full recovery, but the signs are undeniably more positive today. A quicker-than-expected return would not only strengthen Celtic’s starting XI but also allow Donovan to continue his development in a more controlled and gradual manner.

In the short term, Celtic fans can take comfort in knowing our best right-back is on the mend, but also that the club’s youth system is producing capable deputies when needed. We’ve not always been able to say that in recent years.

CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES by DAVID POTTER – OUT NOW!