Alistair Johnston injury asks deeper questions of Celtic

On October 23 last year Alistair Johnston suffered a hamstring tear after 26 minutes of the Europa League tie at home to Sturm Graz.

He wasn’t playing again until the end of April.

Last season Johnston suffered a first half hamstring injury on August 19 at home to Kairat Almaty. He went in from the start against Sturm Graz without any other playing time.

Yesterday at Easter Road something very similar happened.

This season Johnston went off at half time on August 9 away to Kilmarnock.

Against Hibs he returned to the squad.

After 52 minutes he replaced Colby Donovan, in the 73rd minute the Canadian was substituted by Cameron Carter-Vickers.

In his post match interviews Martin O’Neill was sketchy on detail. He mentioned hamstring, a twinge and cramp separately.

Celtic fans will fear the worst over the next Johnston update.

Johnston seems to be one of the most upbeat and enthusiastic characters at Celtic.

But the consistency of injuries must have an effect on him.

Especially when he thinks back to the summer and the World Cup Finals. Johnston played five full matches between June 12 and July 4. Despite being involved in some heavy travel between matches.

Having a fully functioning Fitness and Medical Department should be something that Celtic can deliver on.

There is nothing on the club website about that area of the club.

Long term physio Tim Williamson seems to be the most senior medical person at the club.

Like many at Celtic he has been at the club for over 20 years with just a two year stint with Alex McLeish at Birmingham City breaking that run.

It looks like Celtic fans will have to wait for Tuesday’s pre Dundee United media conference for news on Johnston’s injury.

While he is out injured it seems like Donovan will continue as first pick right-back with Tony Ralston and Jordan Lotomba as back-up.