Alistair Johnston has described his unlikely ‘sports psychologist’ role during his injury at Celtic.
Johnston was handed his first start since October in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Hibernian, missing most of the season with hamstring problems.
The defender is, however, a lively character. Since signing three-and-a-half years ago, he has been a mainstay under several Celtic managers.
He has now revealed that he didn’t disappear during his spell on the sidelines, instead helping his teammates in a turbulent period.
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Alistair Johnston: ‘Difficult times’ injured at Celtic
Reflecting on his injury, Johnston said: “It’s difficult, there’s no two ways about that.
“We’ve had quite a large injured contingent, which has helped in terms of mentally just getting through it. There are other guys that are in there, first ones in, last ones out.
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“It’s difficult, especially when things aren’t going well. It’s one thing if you’re flying, you’re 15 points clear.
“The mood’s always great, but it hasn’t always been that way this year. There’s been some difficult times, been a lot of change behind the scenes.
“So you’re just trying to help out in any way possible. You’re as much a sports psychologist as you are a footballer!
“Sometimes when you’re in there as an injured player, just trying to bounce ideas off of guys, give guys what you think you’re seeing from a different angle.
“When you’re at the matches, watching from a bird’s eye view versus what they’re feeling on the pitch. But there is only so much you can do.
“So it definitely makes a difference once you’re back and can help chip in any way possible. That’s when you really feel like you’re doing the most.”
Johnston was injured in Celtic’s home leg against Kairat back in August, remaining on the sidelines until October.
When he was reintroduced from the start against Sturm Graz in the Europa League, the injury reoccurred.
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Celtic’s season of injuries
In the same game as Johnston’s relapse, Cameron Carter-Vickers suffered a serious Achilles injury which has ruled him out for the rest of the season, as well as his own home World Cup with the USA.
Callum Osmand’s Celtic rise was abruptly ended by his own long-term injury which has threatened to keep him out for the rest of the campaign.
Jota, who hasn’t been seen since a knee injury last May, will also not be seen before the end of the season after a lengthy period of rehab.
Marcelo Saracchi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Arne Engels have all had their own issues at various points.
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