Celtic fans react excitedly to ‘beautiful’ Alistair Johnston training ground footage
Celtic fans are ecstatic after Alistair Johnston was spotted back in training ahead of their trip to Dundee United.
The Hoops star has been out of action for the majority of the season, having previously made a comeback against Sturm Graz in the Europa League before being forced off the field.
As a result, Julian Araujo was brought in on loan in January to help combat the loss of the defender.
However, it now appears that Johnston is close to a return to the squad, much to the delight of the fanbase.
Below, Football Insider has examined the reaction to the 27-year-old’s return ahead of a crucial Celtic period.
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VISIT THE CHELSEA MATCH HUBCeltic fans rejoice as Alistair Johnston returns to training
Johnston had been a crucial Celtic player last season as the club won the Scottish Premiership title with ease.
The right-back continuously helped out on the goal front, picking up 10 assists and netting four times in the division in the 2024-25 campaign.
| Alistair Johnston’s 2024-25 Scottish Premiership stats | Per 90 minutes |
| Goals | 0.14 |
| Shots | 0.65 |
| Assists | 0.34 |
| Chances created | 1.64 |
| Touches in opposition box | 3.18 |
| Passing completion | 86.8% |
Therefore, his absence this season has been a tremendous loss, which has no doubt contributed to Celtic’s poor standing in the league table.
As a result, when the club posted an image of the defender back in training on X, fans went mental.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
| Initial Injury | August 2025 | Stretchered off vs Kairat Almaty. |
| Surgery | November 2025 | Hamstring repair completed. |
| Return to Grass | March 9, 2026 | Spotted running solo at Lennoxtown. |
| Full Training | March 20, 2026 | Back with the first-team squad today. |
| Expected Return | April 2026 | Targetted for the Premiership “Split.” |
Many rejoiced that their star could be back on the Celtic Park pitch soon, and quickly took to X to express their delight at the news.
— Zin (@Zin3th) March 20, 2026
He’s beautiful.
— 66MushyPeas (@6MushyPeas6) March 20, 2026
Oft what a beautiful sight 😍 about time
— 7 (@7celtic1) March 20, 2026
This makes me VERY happy 😃
— Wizard of Oz (@Wizardo68289802) March 20, 2026
What a beautiful sight to see 💚☘️🏴 🇨🇦
— CB 🏴☠️☘️💚 (@Carollbrady) March 20, 2026
— B (@Br7do) March 20, 2026
You love to see it ✊🏻🍀
— G r e g g ®🇵🇸 (@ham_n_egg) March 20, 2026
What does the future hold for Johnston at Celtic?
Previously, Football Insider revealed that Johnston could leave Celtic amid interest from Premier League clubs.
The defender had admitted that it was his dream to play in the Premier League, with a summer sale not ruled out.
However, given how long he has been out of action for, it is hard to see a move on the cards anytime soon.
💚#DUTDCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/XMuS105zT4
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 20, 2026
Johnston has only made five appearances this season, with his last coming in late October.
Therefore, it will take plenty of time for Johnston to get back to anywhere near the ability he once had.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if any sides come in for the defender in the summer, especially if Celtic fail to win the Scottish Premiership, or even worse, fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Target: Elijah Just (Motherwell)
Long-term: Carter-Vickers out
League Pos: 2nd (61 pts)
Status: Summer Talks Underway
Revenue: £143.6m (2025)