Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has provided an injury update of sorts on Alistair Johnston after the Canadian was forced off upon his return to action.
Johnston has spent months on the sideline after picking up a hamstring injury back in August. The right-back has been close to returning a couple of times before suffering setbacks, and that frustrating trend may have continued.
During Celtic's 2-1 away win over Hibs on Sunday, Johnston came off the bench for Colby Donovan during the 52nd minute, but within 21 minutes, he called to be replaced due to feeling discomfort in the same hamstring, perhaps suggesting that there has been a further setback.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, O'Neill said: "Alistair felt something again high up in his hamstring. That would be a blow if he is out. You never know, it might be cramp, it could be a number of things, but he was settling in nicely, so it's a shame.
"I don't want to think about something that may not be there. I have spoken him the dressing room. Naturally, when you are coming back from injury, the concern is there."
Losing Johnston again would be a big blow for Celtic, given how important he can be, especially in those European games against better sides. Colby Donovan has deputised excellently, and Jordan Lotomba is also an option on that side, but Johnston has a much higher level of quality than both, and he is one of the better defenders at the club.
It would be a big shame for the Bhoys and Johnston personally, who has obviously been working hard to get back to action and back in training for much of the week ahead of this game, which would have raised confidence levels enough for him to get some minutes.
Johnston will now likely get some scans on the hamstring and we are likely to find out more ahead of Wednesday's Premiership clash with Dundee United.
