SNS GroupCeltic right-back Alistair Johnston faces weeks rather than months out following his latest hamstring injury.
The Canada international missed the bulk of last season with a hamstring problem and suffered a similar injury in August.
Johnston only made his comeback off the bench in Sunday’s win over Hibernian but lasted just 21 minutes before breaking down.
Manager Martin O’Neill said: “He got a scan and it’s not too bad. It’s not the same injury.
“I think there are three muscles in the hamstring and it’s one of those, but shorter term for him.”
The 28-year-old is set to miss games against Dundee United, Falkirk, Besiktas and Kilmarnock but should return after the international break.
“I probably can’t see him involved before the international break, but after that there, that’s what they’re thinking about,” O’Neill said.
“Even in the spell that he was on, he looked commanding, he looked a real player.
“But he’s very philosophical about it all, he’s taking it in his stride and I think he’s really happy with what the scan has shown.”
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