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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Alistair Johnston concussion fears eased after being forced off for Celtic

Brendan Rodgers has revealed Alistair Johnston is "fine" despite fears over a concussion.

The full-back was forced off in the first half against Hibs after taking a ball to the face.

Johnston received treatment after the ball hit him square in the face from Rocky Bushiri.

The defender attempted to play on but had to be substituted moments later as he struggled te continue. Anthony Ralston replaced Johnston at Easter Road.

However, despite fears over a possible concussion, Rodgers has eased concerns insisting the player has been cleared by medical staff.

He told BBC Sportsound: "I just spoke to the medical team there and they said he is fine.

"It was just at that moment he just felt a wee bit funny.

"But I think overall he is fine."

Quizzed on Mikey Johnston's return to action after 19 months out of the Celtic side and whether he'll improve week on week, Rodgers added:  "We shall see. I judge the players on what I see in training throughout the week, their application, commitment and attitude.

"If we see more, then I’ll always give a player an opportunity."

Despite being disappointed not to take a win from Easter Road, Rodgers insisted the "effort and commitment" was evident even if fatigue could have been a factor in the performance.

"They could be, there's always that, but there's no excuse," said Rodgers of possible mental fatigue after the draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. "We’re at a club where we’re going to play lots of games and we're going to have big games during the week and then you have another big game at the weekend.

"This was another big game for us. We’ve played 10 games now, so you can judge the sort of start we’ve had. Eight wins and two draws, and we've been to every ground in the country, which is really difficult, and did well in the main.

"Today, the speed wasn’t in our game, but the effort and commitment were there. We've got to recover and get ready for Wednesday."

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