Alistair Johnston has said that recovering from injury has been the ‘longest year of his career’ as he hopes to return for Celtic’s end-of-season run-in.
Johnston has been dealing with a hamstring problem, which first surfaced in the Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty.
The right-back suffered a setback as recently as a couple of weeks ago when Johnston picked up a niggle on international duty. But, with light at the end of the tunnel, he has admitted that it has been a long road to get back to being ready to play.
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Alistair Johnston speaks about not playing for Celtic
With five huge games to go in the Scottish Premiership title race and the chance to appear in another cup final, the return of Johnston couldn’t come at a better time.
Julian Araujo’s season-ending injury also means that Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston are the only options to play in the right-back slot.
Watching from the sidelines has been difficult for the 27-year-old, who has said it has been a tough year for him.
“It’s probably been the longest year of my life and I’ve barely played any of the matches. … It’s just been a constant revolving door,” he told Canadian outlet, The Globe and Mail.
“At the same time, we’re still in a position where if we really put together a string of results here, we have a chance to still win the league and ideally win the Scottish Cup.”
Alistair Johnston remains optimistic despite Celtic injuries
Although the right-back confessed to having days where he struggled, he has tried to remain as optimistic as possible and thanked the medical staff for the support they have provided.
“I still am lucky,” Johnston added. “You get to go in six days a week and I’ve got a physio who’s full-time with me, taking care of my every need and making sure that I come back stronger. I’m still getting paid.
“There’s definitely worse things, worse situations in the world, as frustrating as it was to not be able to go out there and help my teammates.”
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