Celtic Face Right-Back Crisis After Alistair Johnston Injury
Celtic are bracing themselves to be without Alistair Johnston until November, a significant blow just two games into the new campaign.
The Canadian defender was withdrawn at half-time in the 5-0 dismantling of Kilmarnock, feeling a niggle in his hamstring. At the time, Assistant Manager Shaun Maloney played down the concern at Rugby Park. The scan has told a different story.
Earlier this week it emerged that Celtic did not expect Johnston back before November. Now Sun Sport report that the damage is worse than first suggested and that the right-back faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. That diagnosis drags the position straight to the top of Martin O'Neill’s in-tray as the transfer window ticks on.
Right-back headache for O’Neill
Johnston’s absence leaves Celtic light on proven options on the right of defence, a weakness that was brutally exposed last season whenever the Canadian was missing. O’Neill cannot afford a repeat.
Colby Donovan has stepped into the gap and grabbed his opportunity. The 19-year-old delivered an eye-catching performance against LASK, enough for O’Neill to start him ahead of Tony Ralston. For now, the shirt is Donovan’s, and there is every expectation he will keep his place while the club work behind the scenes.
Promise, though, is not the same as depth. Celtic need both.
Transfer market moves
Talks are ongoing with Hajduk Split over Niko Sigur, a player who ticks several boxes for O’Neill. Sigur can operate at right-back and in defensive midfield, offering the kind of versatility that becomes invaluable across a long season. One signing, two problem areas eased.
Another name on the radar is Yuki Sugawara of Southampton, who is expected to be made available. The Japanese full-back would represent a more specialist option on the flank, with the report linking him to a potential move to Glasgow.
For now, Donovan has earned the trust to continue. But Celtic know the reality: last season’s struggles without Johnston cannot be allowed to resurface. Whether it is Sigur, Sugawara, or another arrival entirely, O’Neill’s next move in this position could shape Celtic’s autumn.
