Celtic star facing Rangers cup final fitness sweat as Rodgers issues injury update after Dinamo Zagreb draw
Right-back Alistair Johnston was forced off injured during the stalemate with Dinamo Zagreb
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has provided an encouraging update on right-back Alistair Johnston’s condition ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers.
The Canadian international - a mainstay in the Hoops backline this season - had to be replaced at half-time during the goalless Champions league draw with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia on Tuesday and now faces a race to be fit in time for this weekend’s Hampden showpiece.
Johnston went to ground after a nasty collision with Marko Rog towards the end of the first-half but was able to play on until the break. He was withdrawn as a precaution, with Anthony Ralston coming on in his place to leave supporters fearing over the severity of his injury.
With the first domestic trophy of the season up for grabs just a few days away, Johnston would be expected to start the game against Philippe Clement’s Gers but fans were left concerned after he was spotted cutting a dejected figure on the bench during the second half in the Croatian capital.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Rodgers confirmed he could be fit to play on Sunday. He said: “It was his hip flexor, nothing muscular which is good. There was no need to risk it and all being well that will settle down in the coming days.”
The Hoops boss felt his players missed a huge chance to record a landmark away win in Europe’s premier competition as they endured a night of frustration in front of goal. However, he highlighted their feeling of disappointment as a sign of the progress his side have made at this level.
“We needed to do more,” the Northern Irishman conceded. “That's my honest answer on it. It was an opportunity for us but you have to show a little bit more in those moments. The positive is we've come away from the game defensively strong and didn't concede.
“I thought we lacked quality in the final third. The pitch was a little bit tricky. We had great energy, good commitment. In the Champions League, if you get a clean sheet and take a point away from home and you're not very happy, that shows how the team has progressed.
“My teams will always be referenced for their attacking play, but we're good when we press in the right moments and have that mentality to not want to concede. We had enough of the ball to create more opportunities, but to have that base collectively is very important.
“This group and team is gaining confidence at this level. The players gave everything. We needed to do more, but we know that. That's cool. We know it was an opportunity for us, but you have to show that little bit more.”