Alistair Johnston

Brendan Rodgers has praised Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, as the Canada international gets set to return to the squad after a recent hamstring injury.


The 27-year-old defender was stretchered off in his side's Champions League play-off first leg against FC Kairat back in August, missing nine games in all competitions as a result.

Now back in full training with his teammates, Johnston's return to first-team proceedings appears to be imminent, with his manager opening the door to a return against Dundee this weekend."I think it was obviously a big blow having someone of that quality out," said Rodgers. [Celtic TV]

"Young Colby Donovan has come in and done very, very well. Tony Ralston is always a very capable player for the club and an international player, so it gave those guys a chance to get games.

"However, there's no doubt Ali's been a real pivotal part of the team for a number of years now. His power and the balance he gives both offensively and defensively are very important for the team.

"So, it's great to have him back on the pitch and seeing that strength and power back in training

 

In a word......


Yassssss

 

Superb news..

20 minutes at Dens would be ideal..

 

Donovan should start against Dundee but id be giving Johnston at least 20 minutes.

Would give him the full 90 against Strum Graz.

 

I think you forgot a word.... * yasssss!

 

Sounds like from the above there that Johnston will almost for sure be involved at the weekend off the bench which is brilliant news.

 

Haha. I stand corrected

 

Delighted to get him back, makes a huge difference.

 

Alistair Johnston?

Yes, Ali's back in training, which is great news for us. Hopefully, all being well, we'll finalise the squad tomorrow, but hopefully he's good to go.

 

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has cleared up the mystery surrounding Alistair Johnston.


Rodgers stated last week that the right-back would be fit to face Dundee on Sunday.

Johnston, however, wasn't in the 20-man Celtic squad that lost 2-0 at Dens Park.



Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Parkhead side's Europa League tie with Sturm Graz tomorrow evening, Rodgers said: "Ali Johnston should be okay, all being well.

"So that's great news for us."

Johnston hasn't featured for his team since picking up a hamstring injury in the first leg of a Champions League playoff tie against Kairat Almaty in August.

Anthony Ralston and academy graduate Colby Donovan have deputised in his absence.

The Canadian will be a welcome addition to a Celtic team that is currently struggling for form.

 

We have missed him big time.

The impact of having both him and Taylor gone from the team has really cast a spotlight on how much we have struggled to move the ball forward from the back.

Tierney just doesnt have the legs or dynamism anymore on the left hand side and Ralston is hopelessly limited going forward.

Its been a factor in contributing in the triangle of doom between CCV, Scales and McGregor I think.

 

No question about that. The area went from being a major strength in the team to be a weakness. Will be interesting to see if Johnston starts and plays 60 odd minutes or comes off the bench and plays 30 odd minutes. Hopefully he is ready to start and play an hour or so as just seeing him on the field will be a boost.

 

Im hoping he starts personally. Hes a natural athlete and will manage. Need some grit and urgency and he is that person

 

He's been a huge loss for us, delighted he's back.

 

....and hes done....

Ridiculous to rush him back for tonight. Looks like he is going to be out for a while to come

 

Hindsight is 20/20 but thrown into a start after months out clearly a mistake.

 

Medical staff must of got that one wrong