CELTIC winger Mikey Johnston has been forced to pull out of the Scotland Under-21 squad after limping off near the end of the 2-0 win at Ibrox on Sunday.
The starlet looked in trouble when he went down with five minutes to go and was replaced by Jonny Hayes who hammered in the killer goal in stoppage-time.
Johnston, who has been in such form recently that Scott Sinclair cannot get a place in the matchday squad, could be doubtful for the Hoops’ Premiership outing at Hamilton a week on Saturday.
On the international front, it is a massive blow to boss Scot Gemmill as the Scots prepare to kick off their European Championship qualifying campaign against San Marino in Paisley tomorrow night before travelling to face Croatia on Tuesday.
The forward reported for duty at the team’s hotel base in Edinburgh, but was sent back for Celtic’s doctors to assess the extent of the injury.
Gemmill insisted that Johnston’s absence was a disappointment, but it opens the door for someone else to get the chance to show their quality.
The coach, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “Of course, we would like Mikey available, but it’s an opportunity for someone else.
“Over the period we hope to give as many opportunities to as many players as possible.
“Nobody is quite sure who’ll be the ones who’ll play for the first squad, so it’s right everyone gets that’s chance.
“Mikey has had to return to the club, so he’s out of both games.
“Hopefully, you’ll see another exciting young player coming into the side.”
