Celtic handed Alistair Johnston boost as SPFL release post-split fixtures

Celtic have been given a boost by the SPFL’s organisation of the post-league split fixtures as Alistair Johnston nears a return to match fitness.

Johnston has made just five appearances so far this season due to a recurring hamstring injury that has plagued him since August.

He was nearing a first return to action since October before the recent international break, but suffered another setback in his recovery after training with Canada to prepare for the World Cup.

The 27-year-old is still expected to play again this season, and the club will be pleased at how the SPFL have organised their post-split fixtures as a result.

Celtic’s injuries have started to pile up as the campaign nears a close, and Johnston’s return would be a huge boost to their chances of winning the title as long as they can stay in the race for the next few weeks.

Alistair Johnston should be back fit to face Rangers, Motherwell and Hearts

The SPFL released the post-league split fixtures for every Premiership team on Tuesday, with Celtic taking on Falkirk and Hibernian in their first two games after playing St Mirren twice across league and cup.

Martin O’Neill’s side will then take on Rangers at home, go to Motherwell away, and face league leaders Hearts at Parkhead in the final game of the season on 16 May.

Their three toughest games are all the furthest away, meaning Johnston has a much better chance of being fit to play in them after his recent setback.

O’Neill insisted last week that he has a “fairly good chance” to play again this season, and is not far away from being fit.

Johnston is an undoubtedly better right-back option than either Colby Donovan or Anthony Ralston, so the Hoops will surely be pleased that the games he could feature in are against tougher opposition.

Julian Araujo has impressed in Johnston’s absence and could join Celtic permanently

Celtic signed Araujo on loan from Bournemouth in January and he shone at right-back in Johnston’s absence before suffering a thigh injury last month.

They initially feared that he would miss the rest of the campaign after returning to the Cherries to recover, but he is also expected to be back in contention for Celtic before the season ends.

Sources have told Football Insider that Celtic are open to signing Araujo permanently this summer, but it remains to be seen if he features ahead of Johnston.

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