ALISTAIR JOHNSTON appears to be winning his fitness fight to face Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday.
The right-back limped off midway through the first-half during Canada’s 2-1 friendly win over the USA in Kansas at the weekend and there were fears he would miss the visit of the Edinburgh club.
Johnston, an ever-present in Brendan Rodgers’ team since the start of the season, was withdrawn by international boss Jesse Marsch after complaining of a tight hamstring.
Anthony Ralston is on stand-by after coming through unscathed in Scotland’s two disappointing UEFA Nations League defeats against Poland and Portugal.
ON THE BALL…Anthony Ralston in action against Portugal.
The former academy star had a mixed performance against the Poles at Hampden last week when he ruined an otherwise solid display with a rash challenge that earned the visitors a penalty-kick from which Robert Lewandoski scored his country’s second goal in their 3-2 victory.
And Ralston and his international team-mates had that sinking feeling again when Cristiano Ronaldo struck with a late winner in his side’s 2-1 triumph in Lisbon last night.
Despite a yellow card, the Hoops back-up No.2 was one of Steve Clarke’s most consistent players against the Portuguese.
If Johnston suffers a setback, Ralston will be eager to start his first club game of the campaign.
