Soccer

Alistair Johnston fitness boost as Celtic prepare for Premier Sports Cup final

The right-back went off against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday with a hip flexor issue.

Alistair Johnston looks set to face Rangers
Alistair Johnston looks set to face Rangers (Steve Welsh/PA)

Celtic have received a pre-Hampden boost after Alistair Johnston declared himself fit for the Premier Sports Cup final.

The right-back went off against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday with a hip flexor issue and was not pictured during Celtic’s training session on Friday morning.

But the Canada international was out on the pitch later and felt fit enough to prepare for Sunday’s clash with Rangers.

Manager Brendan Rodgers said: “The squad is healthy. We expect Ali to be OK. He was out on the pitches this afternoon so it should be, hopefully, everyone fit and available.

“It was just an extra bit of recovery for him, really. Naturally, he’s been an outstanding player for us over the course of his time here and in particular this season, he’s been instrumental in our work.

“Speaking to him earlier out on the pitch, he was fine, so we expect him to be OK.”

Midfielder Luke McCowan is cup-tied after playing for Dundee in the early rounds of the competition.