Alistair Johnston has spoken out about his injury, revealing the extent of what he has been going through this season.
The defender has been sidelined after suffering multiple injuries this season, the most recent one being a hit to his hamstring. Although he was called up to the recent Canada squad, it was known that he wouldn't feature on matchdays, but he managed to pick up another role while on international duty, making his TV debut for TSN.
The right-back did an amazing job and spoke about life at Celtic, but he also touched on the injury he has been suffering with.
Johnston said: "It’s come a long way, but again I’ve learned through the hard way that a hamstring is a really finicky injury. I would take a broken bone over it every day of the year. With bone breaks like that, it really is just a pain barrier thing.
"And I haven’t ever really struggled with that. But with this, you get to feeling about 90% so quickly, but then you’re talking to your physios and the surgeon, and he’s saying, ‘Yeah, you still got 3 months more to go.’ And it’s like, ‘Wow, how is that possible?’ But that’s just what it is."
His return is amazing news for Celtic
Johnston being close to his return is amazing for Celtic. It's clear that he has been struggling a lot with it, but finally, we are approaching the light at the end of the tunnel.
It's even better news that Johnston is coming back because news was revealed on Sunday that Julian Araujo is set to be out for 7 to 8 weeks. It's awful that the Hoops will be without the right-back, but hopefully Johnston will be able to soften the blow.
The Canadian is set to return for the split, and that's a brilliant thing. We are going to need everyone we can to help us out in this difficult title race, and right-back will be a key position.
It is a spot on the pitch that has a massive effect on the game. Whoever is playing darts up and down the wing, providing brilliant crosses into the box when called upon. The now-injured Colby Donovan was criticised for the quality of his delivery, but he is also a solid option. With him also out, Johnston and Anthony Ralston will be the only two players available.
Hopefully, they can both help us out, and we have faith that Johnston can get back to his old self.