news-engine

Alistair Johnston is facing ‘an extended spell’ on the sidelines. That is the view of David Friel, the Sun reporter that has been ahead of the curve with Celtic transfer news this summer. Johnston was substituted at half-time during Celtic’s win at Kilmarnock on August 9 and hasn’t played since. Celtic have been guarded with their comments on the defender who had two lengthy absences last season. In November Johnston underwent surgery on his hamstring problem. Following the 3-0 win over LASK on Wednesday night Martin O’Neill admitted that Johnston would undergo a scan on Thursday. At 9pm on Friday Friel provided an update in The Sun: ALISTAIR JOHNSTON is facing a extended spell on the sidelines in a major injury blow for Celtic. And Martin O’Neill will now explore several right-back options in the final two weeks of the transfer window. There is no timeline offered over what an extended spell looks like. It does brace Celtic fans for bad news on the defender. DO CELTIC NEED TO SIGN A JOHNSTON REPLACEMENT AT RIGHT-BACK? Colby Donovan has taken Johnston’s place at right-back but it would be a big step for the teenager to be first choice for upto eight UEFA matches through until the end of January. Tony Ralston is also available but has dropped to third and fourth choice at different stages over the last 12 months. No confirmation is likely until O’Neill hosts a media conference on Monday to preview the match against LASK. An extended absence will leave Celtic with a dilemma over what to do at right-back. Signing someone on loan could be an instant solution but would also be a major blow to Donovan. The young full-back played in some significant matches last season, especially in the Europa League. Johnston’s injury could be the perfect opening for an Academy graduate. Alternatively going in against eight top European clubs could be a challenge too far at this stage in his career. Celtic are expected to be very active in the remainder of the transfer window. When plans were first drawn up it is unlikely that a first team ready right-back was viewed as a priority.