Alistair Johnston gives huge Celtic fitness update in positive development for Brendan Rodgers

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Alistair Johnston’s hamstring injury came at a horrible time for Celtic.

With Brendan Rodgers’ side in a huge Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty, Johnston went down early in the first leg – and fans could tell it wasn’t good.

Anthony Ralston was available to deputise for Johnston as he so often has, but after playing through a knock he picked up in the second leg, Ralston had to pull out of the Scotland camp the following week.

The tie also ended in a disastrous early exit for Celtic, consigning the Hoops to a season in the Europa League instead.

Youngster Colby Donovan started in Sunday’s win over Kilmarnock in place of both Ralston and Johnston, in a rare opportunity for the academy graduate.

But how long will Johnston be out for? He has now given a huge update on his injury recovery.

Alistair Johnston reveals current injury situation

As a player who excels physically, Johnston is usually a reliable presence in Rodgers’ back four.

The 26-year-old is also an essential member of Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad, helping them make semi-finals of last summer’s Copa America.

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Speaking to the Park the Bus Podcast, Johnston gave a huge update on his fitness, saying : “When the injury originally happened, I feared the worst, but it’s a pretty significant injury still.

“I’m actually ahead of where I thought I was going to be, but still a long way to go. I’m not really going to put a time period on it just yet, I’m just kind of taking it day by day.

“The plan is that honestly I feel really good, and that’s almost the hardest part of the full thing, is that I feel like I’m ready to go out there and play but I know there’s still a lot of boxes that need to get checked before I can get back to my full level.”

Rodgers could do with his main right-back returning sooner rather than later.

Will Colby Donovan remain in the Celtic first-team picture?

Johnston’s return will surely see him reinstated as the side’s first-choice on the right side of defence.

However, with Donovan starting for the side on Sunday, some fans will want to see the teenager given more minutes to develop.

For Rodgers, this is a good problem to have. Three right-back options are better than two.

But whether Donovan can seriously remain in the manager’s thoughts remains to be seen, with Johnston’s return seemingly coming ahead of schedule.