Celtic may be forced into the transfer market for a right-back after an injury to one of their stars.
Celtic may look to solve their right-back woes with a World Cup star after injury fears over Everton target Alistair Johnston.
Boss Martin O’Neill may have thought he’d be losing Johnston to the Toffees this summer as David Moyes seeks to fix his problem position. The Canadian international has been on Everton’s agenda but that stance could change as the Scottish Sun reports a new scan is needed to assess the extent of his injury picked up against Kilmarnock earlier this month. That could now force Celtic into the market for a right-back and Southampton’s Yuki Sugawara could be an option.
He featured four times for Japan at the World Cup earlier this summer after spending last term on loan at Werder Bremen. Sugawara is set for a move before the end of the window and Celtic have been made aware of his availability It’s claimed: “Alistair Johnston is facing a extended spell on the sidelines in a major injury blow for Celtic.
Read More
What right-back could Celtic sign this transfer window?
“And Martin O’Neill will now explore several right-back options in the final two weeks of the transfer window. O’Neill is searching the market for right-backs after the unexpected setback for Everton target Johnston. The Canadian ace initially hoped to be back within a month after pulling up with a hamstring injury in the 5-1 win over Kilmarnock on August 9. But O’Neill this week revealed the 27-year-old needed a fresh scan – and it’s understood the Celtic star will be out for a prolonged period.
“Johnston missed the bulk of last season with a hamstring problem and the influential right-back will be a major loss. Celtic have been made aware that Southampton’s Japanese defender Yuki Sugawara is set to be available. The 26-year-old has 25 caps and spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen in January. Sugawara played four times at the World Cup for Japan and would offer an experienced full-back option.
It’s set to be a blow for Everton too amid their right-back pursuits and Moyes said of their hunt: “We have identified a few right-backs that we like, we have bid for a few. We are right in there. We have got Jake O'Brien, Merlin Rohl did well in pre-season, Jimmy Garner was excellent there. We are certainly short on numbers, and have room to get a right-back.
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has been attracting Premier League interestplaceholder image
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has been attracting Premier League interest | Getty Images
Who have Celtic got at right-back?
"We are trying to do the right thing. We are looking at levels of players and trying to see if they are better than what we have in the building. We want that person to be someone who can help us improve."
Colby Donovan provided sufficient cover for Johnston in an impressive performance during Celtic’s 3-0 Champions League play-off first leg win over LASK midweek. There is also Scotland international Anthony Ralston in reserve before another comes in.