Alistair Johnston Set For Celtic Injury Assessment

Celtic’s Alistair Johnston concerningly limped off not long into Canada’s friendly with the USA on Saturday night.

The right-back has been flying with the Hoops this term, so seeing him withdraw from the match early on set alarm bells ringing.

Canada boss Jesse Marsch, though, has since provided a positive update. He stated post-match that Johnston simply felt some tightness in his hamstring.

Marsch said that Johnston is clever enough to know his own body and that when a similar issue emerged over summer in preparation for the Copa America, the defender was able to play a few days later.

He will be hoping that is the case this time around but must await confirmation from Celtic’s doctors.

Indeed, per RecordSport, Johnston will be assessed by the club’s medical team before they return to action against Hearts this Saturday.

They’ll hope he is good to go, but Anthony Ralston will prove to be a more than capable deputy, at least on the domestic scene, if called upon.

Johnston’s injury issue comes as Celtic get set to offer him a bumper new contract.

It was reported last night that the club will give him a new deal, bringing him into line with its top earners.

The improved contract is nothing more than the right-back deserves. His start to the new season has been impeccable, and Brendan Rodgers will hope his fitness hitch is nothing major.