Alistair Johnston: Celtic defender in fitness boost for cup final

Alistair Johnston has declared himself fit for the League Cup final after being forced off with a hip flexor injury in the midweek Champions League draw at Dinamo Zagreb.

The Canada right-back was not pictured during Celtic’s training session on Friday morning, but was out on the pitch later and felt fit enough to prepare for Sunday’s clash with Rangers.

Manager Brendan Rodgers said: “The squad is healthy. We expect Ali to be OK. He was out on the pitches this afternoon so it should be, hopefully, everyone fit and available.

“It was just an extra bit of recovery for him, really. Naturally, he’s been an outstanding player for us over the course of his time here and in particular this season, he’s been instrumental in our work.

“Speaking to him earlier out on the pitch, he was fine, so we expect him to be OK.”