Martin O'Neill manages squad fitness ahead of Celtic clash at St Johnstone
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 2:33 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill prepares his squad for Wednesday's Premiership match against St Johnstone in Perth. Striker Kasper Hogh and defender Kieran Tierney returned to training this week and are in contention for the fixture. O'Neill expressed confidence in his improved forward options, noting the contributions of young striker Shim Mheuka. Midfielder Yang Hyun-jun will be unavailable for four matches due to upcoming international duty with the South Korean squad. O'Neill emphasized that focus remains entirely on the midweek league match despite the approaching League Cup quarter-final against Rangers. Additionally, the arrival of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone creates competition for current starter Viljami Sinisalo, a move O'Neill stated is necessary for the squad's development.
- •Kasper Hogh and Kieran Tierney returned to training following injury layoffs.
- •Yang Hyun-jun will miss four upcoming matches for Asian Games duty.
- •Celtic travels to face St Johnstone on Wednesday at 20:00 BST.
- •Sam Johnstone provides direct competition for the starting goalkeeper spot.
- •Martin O'Neill cited improved depth in the forward line compared to last season.
- 2:33 PMYahoo Sports — Hogh & Tierney close to returns for Celtic
- 2:32 PMBBC Sport — Hogh and Tierney close to returns for Celtic
- 2:02 PMYahoo Sports — O'Neill on key duo's fitness, Celtic strikers & 'big miss' Yang
"Martin O'Neill has been speaking to the media before Celtic visit St Johnstone in the Premiership on Wednesday (20:00 BST). Striker Kasper Hogh has been back in training the past couple of days and fellow injury absentee Kieran Tierney returned to work with the squad this morning. Both are in contention for the game, with Hogh the likelier, while there are "a couple of other fitness issues for players".
"Manager Martin O'Neill confirms Celtic duo Kasper Hogh and Kieran Tierney could play a part in Wednesday's Scottish Premiership match at St Johnstone.
"Manager Martin O'Neill confirms Celtic duo Kasper Hogh and Kieran Tierney could play a part in Wednesday's Scottish Premiership match at St Johnstone.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 2:33 PMHogh & Tierney close to returns for Celtic
Manager Martin O'Neill confirms Celtic duo Kasper Hogh and Kieran Tierney could play a part in Wednesday's Scottish Premiership match at St Johnstone.
- BBC SportSep 8, 2026, 2:32 PMHogh and Tierney close to returns for Celtic
Manager Martin O'Neill confirms Celtic duo Kasper Hogh and Kieran Tierney could play a part in Wednesday's Scottish Premiership match at St Johnstone.
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 2:02 PMO'Neill on key duo's fitness, Celtic strikers & 'big miss' Yang
Martin O'Neill has been speaking to the media before Celtic visit St Johnstone in the Premiership on Wednesday (20:00 BST). Striker Kasper Hogh has been back in training the past couple of days and fellow injury absentee Kieran Tierney returned to work with the squad this morning. Both are in contention for the game, with Hogh the likelier, while there are "a couple of other fitness issues for players".
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