What's happened
Celtic have won 2-1 at Easter Road, extending their Premiership lead to four points. Johnston returned from injury as a substitute but felt hamstring discomfort, raising concerns ahead of scans. Cameron Carter-Vickers came through 17 minutes as a late substitute after injury, while Duran’s goal proved decisive as Celtic weathered a tough, windy day.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Celtic secured a hard-fought victory under difficult weather, showing resilience despite injuries at key positions.
- The match highlighted how squad depth matters, with Carter-Vickers stepping in and contributing late, and Johnston’s setback potentially reshaping selection in coming fixtures.
- The tempo was affected by wind, but the team converted a quickly taken free-kick into a decisive moment, underscoring their adaptability in adverse conditions.
- Look ahead: scans will reveal the severity of Johnston’s hamstring, with implications for the best-fit frontline and defensive stability in upcoming fixtures.
How we got here
Celtic maintain their four-point lead after a narrow win at Hibs. Johnston’s hamstring issue re-emerged after 15-20 minutes on his comeback, prompting fears of another spell on the sidelines. Carter-Vickers also returned from injury, contributing late. The win followed a Europa League defeat and was played in challenging conditions.
Our analysis
- The Scotsman: Alan Pattullo reports on Johnston’s return and potential hamstring concerns, noting the coach’s cautious optimism and the impact on squad planning. - BBC Scotland coverage details the late substitutions and the need for scans, while highlighting Celtic’s four-point cushion and reflections on the win’s quality.
Go deeper
- Did Johnston’s substitution change Celtic’s tactical approach?
- What do scans mean for his availability before the next league game?
- How is Carter-Vickers fitting back into the defence after injury?
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