Martin O’Neill has indicated that Alistair Johnston is on course to make his comeback ahead of Celtic’s post-split matches, offering a positive outlook on the defender’s recovery…Alistair John...
Martin O’Neill has indicated that Alistair Johnston is on course to make his comeback ahead of Celtic’s post-split matches, offering a positive outlook on the defender’s recovery…
Alistair Johnston modelling the brand new Celtic FC x adidas Terrace Icons collection
O’Neill also revealed the latest on squad fitness, giving updates regarding the condition and selection prospects of Kelechi Iheanacho, Callum Osmand and Joel Mvuka.
Johnston has been out of action since sustaining a hamstring problem in October, an injury that ultimately required surgery.
Speaking via Daily Record, O’Neill said: “Back then, we were thinking around the end of March, so it’s this particular month. Now, sometimes the updates vary a little bit.”
Callum Osmand celebrates with the Celtic supporters after the match. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)
“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.”
“I don’t think he’s played that much during the course of the season, to tell you the truth. But I think he’s got a good ability to hold it up. It’s just in terms of full fitness and things, that’s a bit of a concern.”
Kelechi Iheanacho in action during the Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
When asked about whether Kelechi Iheanacho could feature against the Dons this evening, the Celtic boss replied: “It is possible. When I finish here, we’ve just finished the training, so I’ll just go and see how people are at this minute. But yes, anything’s possible. The way we played first half [against theRangers], anything is possible.”
O’Neill was also asked about the missing man Joel Mvuka, he responded: “I’m hoping there’ll be a bit of disappointment. He found it difficult in the first half. That was the Dundee game.”
Joel Mvuka of Celtic Celtic v Dundee, Scottish Cup, Fifth Round, Celtic Park, 07 February 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/ Shutterstock
“He’s been out of the picture a little while. But no, he’s trained very, very well. Just recently trained very well, indeed.”
One player who has also been posted missing from matchday squads ever since his arrival is £5 million summer recruit Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha. Hearts v Celtic, 26 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
“I do feel for him a little bit, because my job is not to please everyone here at the football club,”O’Neill said. “Listen, to be perfectly honest, I don’t think he’s had a proper chance.”
“He certainly hasn’t had a proper chance under my time, because I thought there were other people that may be better equipped for this league at this minute.”
“It might have been a different ball game if I’d had a pre-season, where I know what people can do in two or three weeks, finding out when you’re with boys every single day under a bit of sun or something.”
Conor Spence
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Category: General Sports
