Celtic FC has not visited Rugby Park since the start of the current season. The last time the team played at Kilmarnock’s stadium was in August of last year, during the early stages of their title defence.

The Hoops won the game 5-0 against Derek McInnes and his newly promoted side on the day.

It’s still the same season, but a lot has changed since then! THREE of the bhoys who played a part in the game at Rugby Park in August have moved on.

The unpredictability of football never ceases to amaze, as illustrated here. Reflecting on the match from earlier this season, it’s hard to believe that the team could lose three key players – Giorgos Giakoumakis, Josip Juranovic, and Moritz Jenz – in the January transfer window and still keep their form intact.

If someone had told me back then that we’d be missing these players for the second half of the campaign, I would have been deeply concerned about our prospects heading into the crucial period of the season.

However, the Bhoys have defied the odds and continued to excel, despite the significant departures. While Jenz was already out of favour by the time he left, the losses of Juranovic and Giakoumakis were undoubtedly major blows to the team that had relied on them during their title-winning campaign last year. Yet, Celtic has adapted brilliantly, showcasing their impressive scouting network.

When the club announced the signing of Alistair, some fans were relieved to see the club being proactive in the transfer market. However, there were also concerns about how quickly the Canadian would adapt to the team’s style of play, especially after the departure of Josip Juranovic, who had been a solid performer at right-back.

Fast forward a few months, and it’s safe to say that Johnston has exceeded expectations. Not only has he seamlessly integrated into the squad, but he has also emerged as one of our standout players this season. In fact, some would argue that he’s been even better than Juranovic, who had shown his quality during his 18-months at the club.

What Johnston brings to the team is a bit more bite and aggression, which had been lacking in this side, to a point. He’s a hard-working and tenacious defender, but also possesses good attacking instincts. Moreover, his willingness to put his body on the line and his commitment to the cause have endeared him to the fans, who appreciate players who give their all for the club. The right-back already has a League Cup medal under his belt and is undefeated in three Glasgow derbies.

It’s still early days for Johnston at Celtic, but the signs are promising. If he can maintain his form and continue to improve, he could be a vital player for us in the seasons to come.

Hyeongyu Oh may not have had as much game time as Alistair Johnston, but he has already made a significant impact on Celtic’s campaign.

One of Oh’s defining moments this season came in the game against Hibernian just before the international break. With Celtic struggling to break down a stubborn defence and time running out, it looked like they were about to drop crucial points in the title race. However, Oh had other ideas, as he rose above the Hibs defenders to head home the a goal in the final ten minutes of the match. It was a moment of pure quality and composure that showcased Oh’s potential as a striker.

What stands out about the 22-year-old is his combination of vision, technical ability, and strength. He’s a player who can hold up the ball, create chances for others, and finish with precision when given the opportunity. While he’s still adapting to the pace and physicality of Scottish football, he has shown enough flashes of brilliance to suggest that he could be a key player for Celtic in the future.

Of course, with Kyogo’s stunning form this season, it’s been difficult for Oh to get regular game time. However, his presence in the squad has been valuable in terms of providing depth and competition for places. Moreover, his goal against Hibs showed that he’s ready to step up and make a difference when called upon. As we head towards the end of the season and look ahead to the future, it’s exciting to think about the potential that Oh and the rest of the squad possess.

Both men could play their part at Rugby Park on Sunday afternoon. With the bhoys in green 12 poitns clear in the title race and with a looming Scottish Cup semi-final tie against The Rangers, it could be time to utilise some of our squad players from the beginning of games, especially when that horrible Rugby Park surface can take its toll.