ALISTAIR JOHNSTON limped out of Canada’s historic 2-1 triumph over the USA in Kansas and must be considered a doubt for the Premiership visit of Hearts on Saturday.
Celtic now face a sweat over back-up Anthony Ralston who is likely to play for Scotland in tonight’s UEFA Nations League game against Portugal in Lisbon.
Brendan Rodgers would be hit with a massive problem if both right-backs are ruled out against the Tynecastle club.
HERE WE GO…Alistair Johnston (front row, extreme right) and his Canadian team-mates line up before the friendly against the USA in Kansas.
Johnston was withdrawn from the action in the friendly encounter in the 25th minute with his nation already leading through a 17th-minute strike by Jacob Shaffelburg and on their way to their first win over The States in SIXTY-SEVEN years.
Jonathan David claimed what turned out to be the winner in the 58th minute just before Luca de la Torre netted for the hosts.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, who had been a doubt for the Hoops before turning out in the 3-0 derby victory a week ago, wasn’t risked while £6million new Bhoy Auston Trusty, a deadline-day recruit from Sheffield United, was an unused substitute.
The US will face New Zealand in Cincinnati on Tuesday.
LISBON SWEAT…Anthony Ralston is poised to face Portugal.
There was no apparent injury before Johnston came off to be replaced by Richie Laryea. A tight hamstring was later diagnosed and he could be on his way home before Canada play Mexico in Texas on Tuesday.
Ralston is the obvious replacement if the Vancouver-born defender is sidelined, so Rodgers will be hoping he will avoid any mishap against Ronaldo and Co.
The Hoops stand-by No.2 played in the 3-2 loss to Poland on Thursday night, but is expected to start in the Portuguese capital this evening as Steve Clarke’s men try to atone for the Hampden disappointment.
