Alastair Johnstone reveals his delight with the Celtic teenager as he returns from injury

Celtic Right-back Alastair Johnstone has revealed he is “getting closer” to a return as he gave a positive update on his recovery from a hamstring tear.

The influential Canadian international suffered the injury in the first half of a scoreless first-leg Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty on August 20.

Johnston was initially told he would be out for 12 weeks, which would mean mid-November, but he has been progressing well and could return sooner than that.

“It’s been two months since I was there but the recovery has been good,” the 27-year-old said in an interview with the club.

“I haven’t had any real setbacks, which is good. I’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes with our medical staff and I’m feeling really good.

“It’s been difficult watching all the matches from the side. As a player, that’s probably the hardest thing to do, as you’re not able to influence the match and you don’t really feel like you’re fully part of the group.

“But this has fueled the desire to get back as quickly as possible, so we’re getting closer now. We’re not going to put a timeline on it, but I’m feeling really good and staying healthy.”

“We’ve checked off all the boxes we need to check and we’re definitely on track to get back out there. I’m just looking forward to getting back out there and being with the team again.”

Johnston pays tribute to Colby Donovan

In Johnston’s absence Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan They shared the right-back berth. Johnston has been impressed with the way 19-year-old Donovan has performed in his six appearances – three of them as a starter – since his debut at home to Livingston in August.

“Colby was great,” the Canadian said. “From what I heard him talking to the coach and knowing Colby, I think the biggest thing that stands out to everyone is his personality. I don’t think that was ever in question.”

“Now that I’ve been in that changing room for the last two years and gone out and played at Celtic Park, I know what it takes and what a Celtic player looks like at this stage and he looks like a player in terms of character and the confidence he has on the ball.

“That’s something you need, especially when you’re a young kid, to go into that kind of environment like he did in Belgrade and be able to deal with the moment, and not look overwhelmed. It was really impressive. It was really like a duck to water.”

“He’s done a very good job so far of taking it all on himself and I think he’ll be a great player. We’re really lucky to have him here at Celtic.”