Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has revealed that Alistair Johnston could return to the matchday squad soon, despite some setbacks.
The full-back was injured during Celtic's draw against Kairat Almaty all the way back at the start of the season, and he was ruled out for 12 weeks at the time. He returned against Sturm Graz but was injured again, with O'Neill then confirming he would be out until the end of March.
Now, March is here, and O'Neill has given another update on the defender. Speaking to The Celtic Way, he said:
"Back then, we were thinking around the end of March, so it’s this particular month. Now, sometimes the updates vary a little bit. Both he and little Callum Osmand, they’ve had a couple of little setbacks, you know, just along in terms of their recuperation.
So nothing major, nothing, but just little setbacks that take you back another 10 days or something like that. So the answer is that I’d be hoping that if we are still in contention, that [Johnston] would be there for maybe the split or something like that."
Promising return of Johnston
For some time now, Johnston has been one of Celtic's best players. He is simply top tier. He brings something to the team that isn't offered by a lot of other players and would be a great option for the split.
However, loan signing Julian Aurajo is in fine form and also plays in Johnston's position. He has managed to slot in perfectly, and O'Neill will know that he doesn't have to rush the Canadian back because Aurajo will be there to do the job.
If both are available after the split, which it seems will be the case, then O'Neill has fantastic rotation options on the right side of that backline. With both of them soon able to be utilised, Celtic are about to be stronger than ever at right back.
To be honest, it couldn't come at a better time as Celtic are looking to keep themselves in the title race. A draw at Ibrox last weekend has given league leaders Hearts the advantage once again, but the Hoops and Rangers are still hot on their trail.
With post-split matches yet to be played, where the top six sides will face each other again, anything could happen, and it's shaping up to be an exciting end to the season.