Celtic's Alistair Johnston is set for an "extended spell" out of action due to injury, according to a new report.
The right-back needed a fresh scan after initially aiming to return within a month from the hamstring injury sustained in the 5-1 win against Kilmarnock on August 9.
However, the Scottish Sun has reported that the 27-year-old is expected to be out for a prolonged period.
Johnston's absence is a significant blow for Martin O’Neill, who is now considering right-back options in the final fortnight of the transfer window.
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Colby Donovan, 19, impressed in the 3-0 Champions League play-off victory over LASK, while Scotland international Anthony Ralston provides further cover.
However, the club are still open to bringing in another right-back before the transfer window closes, with Southampton’s Japan international Yuki Sugawara and Hajduk Split’s versatile Niko Sigur rumoured targets, according to the report.
Earlier this week, O’Neill said: "Regardless of what happens in the Champions League, we’ve still got European football, and hopefully we augment the squad."
