Martin O’Neill has offered the strongest indication yet regarding when Alistair Johnston could make his return to the Celtic starting XI. The right-back has been sidelined for a significant portion of the campaign due to injury, forcing Celtic to reorganise their backline during a tense title battle.
Johnston’s absence has been noticeable. His drive on the right flank and his defensive quality are central to how Celtic typically operate. In his absence, teammates have been required to step in while the squad navigates a demanding schedule of matches.
Earlier in the season, there was optimism he would return by late March. That projection has been delayed slightly. Minor complications during rehabilitation have set his recovery back by a brief spell.
Attention now shifts to the Premiership split. The opening fixture after the league separates is pencilled in for the weekend of April 25–26, marking matchday 34 of the William Hill Premiership campaign.
O’Neill said: (TCW), “Back then, we were thinking around the end of March, so it’s this particular month.
“Both he and little Callum Osmand, they’ve had a couple of little setbacks, you know, just along in terms of their recuperation.
“So nothing major, nothing, but just little setbacks that take you back another 10 days or something like that. So the answer is that I’d be hoping that if we are still in contention, that he (Johnston) would be there for maybe the split or something like that.”
Should Johnston return around the split, Celtic will be relieved to have him back in contention. Those closing fixtures frequently determine the championship, and every alternative matters.
The schedule also suits Celtic, as there is no urgent need to fast-track him immediately. January loan recruit Julian Araujo has adapted well at right-back and has performed solidly during Johnston’s time out.
That reduces the strain on Johnston’s return. He can regain match sharpness gradually rather than being thrust straight into a demanding sequence of games.
If both players are fit during the split, Celtic would suddenly boast strong depth on the right side of defence. Fresh energy and slightly contrasting attributes between the pair could prove valuable in the decisive stretch of the season.