Celtic v Hearts – Too risky to start Alistair Johnston this afternoon

AJ is back in training and fully fit after his hamstring scare but will he be risked today with Slovan Bratislava coming to Paradise in midweek?

Alistair Johnston certainly gave us all a scare when he went off injured in Canada’s game with the USA last weekend, but yesterday we breathed a collective sigh of relief as he was spotted being put through his paces on the training field.

Apparently AJ went off because he felt a bit of tightness in his hamstring, and it was no more than a precautionary measure, but the fact he was feeling a bit of discomfort is still a bit of a worry.

Celtic v theRangers – Callum McGregor celebrates with Alistair Johnston after scoring our third goal of the game during the  match at Celtic Park, Sunday September 1, 2024. Photo Steve Welsh

Hamstring injury’s are notoriously troublesome and can niggle away at players, particularly players like AJ who are blessed with great energy. That’s why it might be sensible to perhaps let him sit out today’s clash at home to Hearts especially with a European game against Slovan Bratislava approaching on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

Two high intensity games in a week could be risky for Alistair Johnston especially carrying this sort of niggle. I’m sure Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic medical team have it all under control, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see AJ sit out today’s game with Wednesday night in mind.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

COMING SOON ON CELTIC STAR BOOKS…CELTIC IN THE THIRTIES, VOL 1&2 BY MATT CORR…

The Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery is still only £1 each week and you could win up to £25,000! All net proceeds donated to the Celtic Academy. Join today and you will receive this Champions League Bobble Hat!

About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

1 Comment