Canadian international learns extent of new injury setback
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that right-back Alistair Johnston is facing another spell on the sidelines.
The Canadian international, who has been plagued by hamstring issues stretching back into last season, made his first appearance since early August as a second half substitute in the 2-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday.
However, the 28-year-old lasted just 21 minutes before needing to come after again after telling club medics he "felt something" in his hamstring area. He was replaced by Cameron Carter-Vickers, who was also returning from injury.
Scans have confirmed that Johnston has suffered a different hamstring injury to his previous one and O'Neill is hopeful that the defender will return quicker this time around.
"It's not the same [hamstring] injury," the Celtic manager explained. "It'll be shorter term for him, he believes, and so do the medical team. I can't see him involved before the international break."
Celtic's first game after the international break is at home to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on November 21.
O'Neill was speaking ahead of the visit of Dundee United on Wednesday, exactly one year to the day since he returned to the club on an initial interim basis following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers.
"The club has done more for my than I've done for the club," he added. "It's rejuvenated me in many aspects.
"I was doing a little bit of punditry work, talking nonsense a lot of the tie, so nothing really changes. But in a serious sense, rejuvenation, getting into a game I absolutely love, and will love for ever.
"Something that had passed me by for a considerable period of time. I never even thought about coming back in."