Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has delivered an important squad update ahead of the club’s high-stakes Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren, offering clarity on the fitness situations of two players who have been closely monitored in recent weeks—Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand.
With the season entering its decisive phase, Celtic’s injury list has become a major talking point, forcing O’Neill to carefully manage both recovery timelines and match readiness.
His latest comments confirm that while there is progress in rehabilitation, neither player is fully ready for immediate competitive action at the Hampden showdown.
Johnston’s Recovery Continues but Not Ready Yet
Right-back Alistair Johnston remains one of Celtic’s most important defensive figures when fully fit, but his long-term hamstring issue has kept him sidelined for an extended period.
O’Neill has acknowledged that Johnston has made encouraging progress in training and is now participating in more structured pitch work with the squad. However, despite stepping up his recovery programme, the Canadian international is still not considered ready for match intensity.
The Celtic manager made it clear that the club is determined n
ot to rush his return. Johnston’s injury has already been complicated by previous setbacks, and the medical team remains cautious about any premature involvement in competitive fixtures.
There had been some hope that he might be available for selection in the semi-final squad, but that optimism has now been tempered. The current assessment suggests that while he is close to returning, the St Mirren clash comes too soon for a full comeback.
Instead, the focus is now on ensuring he is fully fit for the crucial run-in after the cup tie, where Celtic will need all experienced players available as they push for domestic success.
Osmand Also Still Working Back to Full Fitness
Young forward Callum Osmand is also progressing through his recovery programme, but like Johnston, he will not be involved in the semi-final.
Osmand’s situation is slightly different, as his injury has required a more gradual rehabilitation approach following a hamstring problem that disrupted his early momentum at Celtic.
The teenage striker had been viewed as one of the emerging attacking options in the squad, and his early appearances hinted at real potential. However, the injury has stalled his progress, forcing the coaching staff to adopt a patient and cautious recovery strategy.
O’Neill has expressed optimism that Osmand is responding well to treatment and training work. He is back on the grass and participating in controlled sessions, but still lacks the sharpness required for competitive match involvement.
The Celtic boss has indicated that while Osmand’s return is not imminent, there is hope he could feature again before the end of the campaign if his recovery continues without setbacks.
Bounce Game Plan to Aid Recovery
In order to bridge the gap between training and full match readiness, O’Neill has been exploring the idea of organising a “bounce game” for returning players such as Johnston and Osmand.
This type of controlled match environment would allow players to regain rhythm, timing, and fitness without the intensity or pressure of competitive fixtures.
The concept is seen as particularly important given the number of players returning from long-term injuries at the same time. Rather than rushing them into a high-pressure semi-final or league match, Celtic are looking to carefully manage reintegration.
O’Neill has stressed that the club’s approach is built around caution rather than risk. The priority is ensuring that when players return, they remain available for the remainder of the season rather than suffering repeat injuries.
Injury Challenges Continue to Shape Celtic’s Season
Celtic’s injury situation has been one of the defining themes of their campaign, with multiple first-team players missing significant portions of the season at various stages.
Defensive stability in particular has been affected, forcing adjustments in personnel and tactical structure. The absence of key defenders like Johnston has limited rotation options and placed additional pressure on squad depth.
Similarly, attacking injuries have disrupted consistency in the forward line, with young players like Osmand being developed carefully rather than thrown into heavy match responsibility too early.
Despite these challenges, O’Neill has continued to maintain a steady approach, focusing on adaptability and squad unity as Celtic navigate a congested fixture schedule.
Focus Shifts to St Mirren Semi-Final
With Johnston and Osmand ruled out, Celtic will now turn attention fully to their semi-final clash against St Mirren, a team that has already proven capable of causing problems for the Glasgow side this season.
St Mirren arrive with confidence and tactical discipline, and Celtic are expected to approach the match with both caution and ambition. The absence of certain squad members will force O’Neill to rely on experienced players and in-form replacements to get the job done at Hampden.
While Celtic remain favourites on paper, cup football often brings unpredictability, and O’Neill will be aware that team selection and game management could be decisive.
Balancing Short-Term Goals with Long-Term Fitness
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from O’Neill’s update is the emphasis on long-term planning. Rather than focusing solely on the immediate semi-final, Celtic’s coaching staff are clearly thinking about the wider demands of the season.
With league fixtures, cup progression, and squad fatigue all converging, player management has become just as important as match tactics.
Johnston’s return will be carefully timed to avoid re-injury, while Osmand’s development will continue at a controlled pace to ensure he can contribute meaningfully when fully fit.
This cautious strategy reflects a broader understanding within the club that rushing players back too early could have serious consequences later in the season.
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Conclusion
Martin O’Neill’s latest update provides a clear picture of Celtic’s current injury landscape ahead of the St Mirren semi-final. While both Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand are making progress in their recoveries, neither will feature in the upcoming clash.
However, with structured rehabilitation plans and the potential introduction of bounce games, Celtic remain hopeful that both players will return in time to play a role in the crucial final stages of the season.
For now, patience remains the key theme at Celtic Park as the club balances immediate competition with long-term squad fitness.