Alistair Johnston is likely to be fine for Celtic's Scottish League Cup final clash against Rangers this weekend.
That's the positive messaging coming from Brendan Rodgers following tonight's 0-0 draw in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb.
The Canadian international had to be withdrawn at the interval, as Anthony Raltson emerged as his half-time replacement for the second 45.
Johnston appeared to be struggling as half time closed in, but he saw it out until the break.
With the Premier Sports Cup final coming up next on Sunday, concerns were obviously raised about Johnston's fitness ahead of that game.
However, Rodgers has suggested that the decision to substitute the right-back was precautionary more than anything.
He said in his post-match press conference: "It was from the tackle on the side, it’s his hip flexors. Nothing muscular which is good.
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“He just felt a bit of pain, so at half-time there was no need to risk that really. He got through to half-time really well.
“All being well, that’ll settle down in the next couple of days.”
The player himself spoke post-match about the sustained knock.
He commented: "It was just an awkward one. We’ll do some tests on it and hopefully it’s nothing too serious. We’ll kind of take it day by day.
"It’s just a weird one and I was glad I could make it to half time. But I think it was the right decision to put Tony out there and get us through the 90 minutes.
"We’ll see (regarding cup final vs Rangers). Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious and we’ll be back out on the training pitch and get ready to go for Sunday."
Meanwhile, the Hoops manager was full of praise for his captain Callum McGregor, as he made his 100th appearance in Europe for Celtic on the night.
He added: "It’s a real sign of his resilience, talent and quality to play for such a big club and make that number of appearances.
“I believe there’s only a couple of guys ahead of him.
“He’s such a pivotal player for this team and it’s a big congratulations to him.”
