Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston has revealed he is “getting closer” to a return as he provided a positive update on his recovery from a torn hamstring.
The influential Canadian international was injured during the first half of the goalless Champions League play-off first leg against Kairat Almaty on August 20.
Johnston was initially told he would be out for 12 weeks, which would have meant mid-November, but he has progressed well and could be back sooner than that.
“It’s been a few months since I last played, but the recovery has been going well,” the 27-year-old said in an interview with the club.
“I haven’t had any real setbacks, which is good. I’ve done a lot of work behind the scenes with our medical staff and I feel really good.
“It’s been difficult watching all the games from the sidelines. As a player that’s probably the hardest thing to do, not being able to influence the game and not really feeling like you’re fully part of the squad.
“But it just fueled that fire to get back as quickly as possible, so we’re getting closer now. We’re not going to put a timetable on it, but I feel really good and I’m doing great.
“We checked all the boxes we needed to check and we’re definitely close to going back. I just can’t wait to get back out there and be with the team again.”
Johnston praises Colby Donovan
In Johnston’s absence, Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan shared the right-back spot. Johnston has been impressed with the performance of 19-year-old Donovan in his six outings – three as a starter – since making his home debut against Livingston in August.
“Colby was great,” said the Canadian. “From what I’ve heard coach talk about and knowing Colby, I think the biggest thing that stood out to everyone was his personality. I don’t think that was ever in question.
“Now that I’ve been in this dressing room for a few years and played at Celtic Park, I know what it takes and what a Celtic player is like at this stage and he looks like one in terms of his personality, the confidence he has on the ball.
“It’s something you need, especially as a young kid, to go into these kinds of environments like he did in Belgrade and be able to handle the moment, without looking overwhelmed. It’s been really impressive. He’s really been like a duck to water.
“He’s done really well so far taking everything into account and I think he’s going to be a great player. We’re really lucky to have him here at Celtic.”
