Johnston felt something again, says O'Neill

What the report says

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said Alistair Johnston “felt something again” after the Canada right-back’s comeback appearance against Hibernian was cut short. Johnston, 28, had only recently returned after missing much of last season with hamstring problems and had been out again since early August with a recurrence. His substitute outing at Easter Road lasted 21 minutes before he was withdrawn, and O’Neill said the player and the medical staff were not yet sure how serious the issue was. He said Johnston would need a scan before Celtic could know more.

There was better news for Celtic with Cameron Carter-Vickers returning for the final 17 minutes after coming off the bench for Johnston. The United States defender had been sidelined since mid-September. O’Neill said the team needed its senior players back and was pleased Carter-Vickers appeared to come through the match without a problem.

Celtic won 2-1 at Easter Road, restoring their four-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Camilo Duran scored the winner after Jason Kerr’s own goal had levelled the match. O’Neill described the result as the club’s best win of the season given the conditions and the backdrop of Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Celta Vigo. The win also continued Celtic’s strong league form, with nine victories from 10 matches.