Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Alistair Johnston will be available for selection for tonight’s Europa League clash against Sturm Graz, but Daizen Maeda is out…
Last week, Rodgers mentioned that the right-back was expected to be available Sunday’s calamitous outing at Dens Park, but Johnston was notably absent from the 20-man Celtic squad that suffered a 2-0 defeat to Steven Pressley’s side.
Speaking at yesterday’s media conference to The Celtic Star and mainstream media outlets ahead of tonight’s game, the Irishman said that the Canadian will be available: “Ali Johnston should be okay, all being well. So that’s great news for us.”
Johnston has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring problem during the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Kairat Almaty back in August at Celtic Park.
In Johnston’s absence, Hoops academy graduates Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan have filled in at right-back. The 27 year-old’s return will provide a boost to a Celtic side currently battling to regain some semblance of form.
In other news, Rodgers has confirmed that Maeda will be unavailable once again. The Japanese forward was also missing after his side’s defeat to Dundee.
The Celtic boss said: “Daizen is not available, no. He is suffering stiffness in his lower back and his hamstrings. I think the last game against Motherwell before the international break, he just felt his hamstring, so we’ve got some positive news on it, but no timeline on it. He certainly won’t be available for tomorrow, and we’ll see where he’s at for the weekend.”
Given that Celtic have accumulated one point from two games and still have three tough away fixtures still to come, this is a must-win fixture for Rodgers’ men.
Anything less and the manager will be under serious pressure. The quality of the Europa League is not of the same standard of recent seasons, and a top 24 place was a minimum requirement for the Scottish champions.
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties in Two Volumes – Brilliantly researched and written by Matt Corr. An unmissable addition to any Celtic bookshelf. Click on the image below to order your copies…
