Iheanacho and Johnston in Celtic boost ahead of Hibs

iheanacho is among the Celtic options heading to Easter Road, and Alistair Johnston is in contention for a bigger role after his 20-minute comeback against Falkirk. Celtic go into the Hibs match with no fresh injury concerns from the side that won 3-1 last week.

Johnston’s Return at Celtic Park

Johnston made more of an impact than expected on his long-awaited return against Falkirk last weekend. He was progressive in possession, and his appearance is now being treated as a step toward heavier involvement rather than a brief return to action.

That gives Martin O'Neill another choice as Celtic prepare for Hibs. Johnston’s comeback also matters because he had previously returned from the start against Sturm Graz in October and worsened his condition, so the move from a 20-minute comeback to a larger role will be handled carefully.

Celtic’s Injury Picture

Celtic’s squad news is otherwise clean heading into Easter Road. Tomas Cvancara has not been involved of late because of a groin strain that may require surgery, Cameron Carter-Vickers returned to light training work on Friday, and Callum Osmand is still not fit enough to feature after taking part in a bounce game for Celtic B through the week.

That leaves O'Neill with the same core shape from the Falkirk win, where Daizen Maeda’s run as a No. 9 helped Celtic score five goals across recent matches against St Mirren and Falkirk. Sebastian Tounekti and Yang Hyun-jun started in the Scottish Cup semi-final, James Forrest replaced Tounekti on Saturday past, and Tounekti later set up Maeda’s second goal in the 3-1 victory over Falkirk.

Wide Options For Hibs

Starting Tounekti on the left and Yang on the right looks like Celtic’s strongest option if Maeda stays central, while Iheanacho and Forrest are being used best as impact substitutes. The wider concern has not changed: Celtic’s inability to strengthen those areas remains the biggest recruitment error of the last 18 months.

For the Hibs trip, that means Johnston’s availability adds another layer to a squad that is already settled, while the wide roles remain the main selection call. If he is used beyond the 20-minute comeback, Celtic will be leaning on a player who has already shown he can change the shape of the side without forcing the rest of the team into a rebuild.