Celtic fans react excitedly to ‘beautiful’ Alistair Johnston training ground footage

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Credit: Imago Fri 20 March 2026 15:40, UK 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. ⚽ Chelsea Matchday⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Chelsea fixture at Stamford Bridge. VISIT THE CHELSEA MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Celtic fans rejoice as Alistair Johnston returns to trainingJohnston 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 minutesGoals 0.14Shots 0.65Assists 0.34Chances created 1.64Touches in opposition box3.18Passing completion 86.8%Johnston had some excellent stats 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.MilestoneDateStatusInitial InjuryAugust 2025Stretchered off vs Kairat Almaty.SurgeryNovember 2025Hamstring repair completed.Return to GrassMarch 9, 2026Spotted running solo at Lennoxtown.Full TrainingMarch 20, 2026Back with the first-team squad today.Expected ReturnApril 2026Targetted 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. pic.twitter.com/7WlaCYmyiE— 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 pic.twitter.com/SCbpbnPUXM— 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.