CELTIC missed out on Champions League football after defeat to Kairat Almaty in the play-off.
Uefa’s elite competition started this week with no Scottish representatives after Celtic crashed to defeat on penalties in Kazakhstan, and Rangers were humiliated by Club Brugge in Bruges.
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But one Hoops player still got a chance to sample the atmosphere on these special European nights, when he took in Newcastle United’s clash with Barcelona.
Celtic star Alistair Johnston revealed earlier this week his road to recovery from a hamstring injury is going better than expected.
He was stretchered off in the first leg against Kairat and was expected to be out for up to three months.
He told the Park The Bus podcast: “When the injury originally happened, I feared the worst. It’s a pretty significant injury but I’m actually ahead of schedule. Still a long way to go.
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“I’m not really going to put a timeline on it yet. I’m taking it day by day but I feel really good. I feel like I’m ready to go back out there and play, but a lot of boxes still need ticked.
“I’m taking it day by day but I’m hoping to be back earlier than originally expected.”
And he was snapped with a Toon fan before their huge Champions League clash with Barcelona outside a pub near St James’ Park.
The fan posted the picture with Johnston who was wearing a Newcastle hat on X.
Sock Council tweeted: “Just chilling before the game with Alastair Johnston, Celtic and Canada player and now Newcastle United supporter!
“Howay the Bhoys!”
Celtic fans had mixed views about the picture.
One fan commented: “Up the road AJ. Riddy that!
Another said: “Some atmosphere the night mate! Reminds me of Celtic Park.”
A third fan said: “He was probably just getting his CL fix…”
Marcus Rashford stole the show at St James’ Park, with a stunning double as Barca secured a 2-1 win over the Toon to kick start their Champions League campaign with a victory.
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