Celtic secured a 2‑1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday, but the win was marred by a hamstring scare for right‑back Alistair Johnston. The 28‑year‑old, who had missed most of the previous season with hamstring problems and was out again since early August, was substituted after just 21 minutes of play. Manager Martin O’Neill admitted uncertainty about the injury’s severity, saying the player and the club’s medical staff would need a scan to determine the next steps. “We’re not sure just at this moment,” O’Neill told BBC Scotland, adding that with a history of hamstring issues any discomfort is a cause for concern.
Despite the setback, Celtic’s defense remained solid. Cameron Carter‑Vickers, a United States defender who had been absent since mid‑September, came on for Johnston in the final 17 minutes. O’Neill praised the player’s return, noting that “every single body back” is crucial for the team. “He seems to have come through the game OK,” the manager said, expressing delight that key players were back on the pitch.
The match itself was a rebound for Celtic after a 2‑1 loss to Celta Vigo in the Europa League the previous Thursday. A late winner from Camilo Duran, following Jason Kerr’s equaliser, gave the Glasgow side a late lift. The win was Celtic’s ninth in ten league matches, extending their four‑point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership. O’Neill described the result as “the best win of the season” given the circumstances, noting that the team “didn’t play particularly well” but managed to secure the necessary points.
With the win, Celtic will host Dundee United at Celtic Park on Wednesday, followed by three more fixtures before the next international break. O’Neill reflected on the challenges of playing at Easter Road, a venue he has historically found difficult, and praised his squad for overcoming the adversity of a recent European defeat and a key player’s injury scare. The club will now focus on maintaining their lead while preparing for the upcoming domestic and European challenges.