CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS may be back in training after being out for six months, but Martin O’Neill is refusing to rush the centre-back into the first team.
The Celtic interim boss is preparing his squad for the crucial five-game run-in to a topsy-turvy season, but the 28-year-old American international is not likely to feature.
Carter-Vickers hasn’t been seen since collapsing at the end of the 2-1 Europa League win over Sturm Graz at Parkhead on October 23.
The Hoops’ defensive rock required surgery on his Achilles injury and is now eager to get back into action as the campaign heads for the finishing tape.
ON THE RUN…Cameron Carter-Vickers takes on Mo Diomande and Bojun Miovski in the 0-0 draw at Ibrox in August.
The champions are getting ready for another Premiership challenge when they play Hibs and Easter Road and O’Neill admitted: “He’d play on Sunday if he could.
“But he’s still a bit off. We can’t rush it.”
Medical staff are urging caution and the veteran Irish gaffer is unlikely to jeopardise the player’s condition by throwing him in at the deep end.
Carter-Vickers may not have figured in the team for half a year, but the £6million recruit from Spurs in the summer of 2022 has remained a massive presence in the dressing room, attending every meeting and matchday.
O’Neill, speaking to the Glasgow Times, added: “He’s a big influence. The players look up to him.”
Meanwhile, right-back Alistair Johnston made a cameo appearance in the 3-1 win over Falkirk a week ago and could be in line for a start in Edinburgh.
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