Key Celtic defender ruled out for three months | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Celtic defender Alistair Johnston is set to be sidelined for the next three months.

The Canadian international was stretchered off with a hamstring injury in the 0-0 draw with Kairat Almaty in the Champions League in midweek.

And perhaps most frustratingly for a fanbase already irked by a lack of transfer activity, the Scottish champions are set to look within when it comes to replacing him - meaning Anthony Ralston is set to deputise in Johnston's absence.

"We're looking at about 12 weeks," Rodgers said on Friday prior to Celtic's clash with Livingston on Saturday.

"It's disappointing for him because he's started well. When you lose any player of that calibre then of course it is disappointing but it'll provide an opportunity for someone to step in.

"We have Tony and young Colby Donovan who has made great strides and really impressed me so it is an opportunity for someone.

"My first look is always inside. We'll gain more clarity over the next week or so [on potentially sighing a right-back] but that's my first look is our internal options."

Donovan, who did feature in pre-season, is yet to make his senior debut for the club.

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