'Really encouraging' - Celtic boss delivers fitness update on returning duo ahead of semi-final vs St Mirren
Interim Celtic manager has confirmed the status of two players nearing a return to action following lengthy injury lay-offs
Martin O'Neill has delivered a positive update on Celtic duo Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand as they continue to step up their recovery from injury.
Both players have been sidelined since last year, with their injuries occurring in the Europa League against Sturm Graz and FC Midtjylland, respectively.
Right-back Johnston hasn’t played a competitive minute since sustaining a hamstring injury in November and his comeback was delayed last month after encountering a setback in his recovery during the international break while away while the Canadian national team.
Ex-Fulham striker Osmand is also making steady progress after undergoing hamstring surgery. With both now back in full training and closing in on a return to action before the end of the season, interim manager O’Neill has confirmed that Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final encounter against St Mirren at Hampden will come too soon for the pair.
He admitted: “Well, I think [the St Mirren game] is probably a bit too early now for Alistair Johnson, but he has trained, so that's really good news. There's no ill effect at this minute. And I know doing some little small-sided games is not the big game at all, but that's really encouraging for him to come out.
“And young Callum Osmand, he's making progress as well too at the same time. So that's really encouraging.”
Quizzed on whether the returning duo are likely to be available for the first match post-split, O’Neill replied: “I would have thought so, yeah, definitely. But as I say, Alistair has done really well. Callum came in, to my recollection, a couple of days later. I've just seen him out there, so it would be early for him.
“But I think that, had not Alistair taken a setback in Canada, I think he would have been ready now.”
O’Neill hoping Osmand can make title race impact
Osmand will make a timely return to action in an area of the pitch where Celtic have encountered major issues throughout the season. With January signings Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu failing to impress and the fragile Kelechi Iheanacho plagued by injuries, O’Neill believes the young Welshman is capable of making an impact over the remaining five league games.
“Well, it's a really good point,” O’Neill commented. “Yeah, he was coming off the bench in some of those matches and was making an impact, particularly in the the cup semi-final against Rangers, and that was great news.
“He was really building confidence as well to make the penalty, although we were well and truly second or third best against Midtjylland. But he came on there, made the penalty, got in behind a couple of times and looked really sharp, and then picks up the injury. So I think over time, I think he'll be a really decent player for us.”
O’Neill confident in whoever fills Liam Scales void
Celtic will be without the services of central defender Liam Scales through suspension on Sunday, but O’Neill is confident in whoever he selects to step up in the Irishman’s absence.
“Oh yeah, absolutely,” he added. “I would have no doubts about that. I've got two right-footers as well, so Trusty will move over to the left-hand side. I've got lots of confidence in Benjamin Arthur and Dane Murray.”