Celtic right-back Alistair Johnstone has provided a positive update on his recovery from a hamstring tear, revealing he is “getting close” to a return.
The influential Canadian international was injured during the goalless first half of the Champions League playoff first leg against Kairat Almaty on August 20.
Johnston was initially expected to be out for 12 weeks, which would mean mid-November, but he is recovering well and could return sooner than that.
“It’s been a few months since I played, but my recovery is going well,” the 27-year-old said in a club interview.
“I didn’t have any major setbacks, so that was good. I’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes with the medical staff and I feel really good.
“It was difficult to watch every game from the side. As a player, that’s probably the most difficult thing, not being able to influence the game and not feeling like you’re completely part of the group.”
“But that just added fuel to the fire of wanting to recover as quickly as possible. So now I’m getting close to it. I’m not going to set a timeline, but I’m feeling really good and staying in good shape.”
“I’ve checked all the boxes and I’m definitely on track to return. I’m looking forward to coming back and rejoining the team.”
Johnston praises Colby Donovan
In Johnston’s absence, Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan shared the right back position. Johnston has been impressed with the 19-year-old’s performance in six games (three starts) since making his debut at home against Livingston in August.
“Colby was great,” the Canadian said. “From what I’ve heard from talking to coaches and knowing Colby, I think the thing that impresses everyone the most is his personality, and I don’t think that’s ever been an issue.
“Now that I have been in this dressing room for the last few years and played at Celtic Park, I know what a Celtic player needs, what a Celtic player is like at the moment and he looks like a Celtic player in terms of character and confidence on the ball.
“That’s what you need, especially at a young age, to be able to put yourself in an environment like he did in Belgrade and be able to deal with the moment without looking overwhelmed. That was really impressive. He was just like a duck to water.”
“I think he’s taken everything well so far and is going to be a great player. We’re really lucky to have him here at Celtic.”