Johnson has been without Jake Doyle-Hayes and Lewis Miller for a considerable amount of time but has given positive news on their return.
“Jake Doyle-Hayes is at the early stages of being back introduced into the squad, which is good,” explained our Manager.
“Lewis Miller is on the outskirts in terms of working on his physical preparation before being back with the squad.”
There is, however, disappointing news, as Mykola Kuharevich will be out for a longer period.
“Mykola has had a setback unfortunately, so he won’t be available until best-case January 17 or worst-case February 9.
“It’s a blow because of the option he gives us. We’re obviously more reliant on Nizzy, which becomes hard when we’re managing his workload, but we do have Melks (Elias Melkersen), Harry (McKirdy) who can play that position, and Josh who has played it well.”
Johnson, however, is focused on the positives as he continues to get a number of other First Team players up to full fitness.
“We’re working in the next period of games with a squad that’s capable of staying fit and improving.
“The more and more minutes we get into the likes of Aiden (McGeady), Nizzy (Kevin Nisbet) and Kyle (Magennis) the better it is for us. For Nizzy to complete his first 90 was a very good marker for him and for us.”
