There had been a suggestion that Johnston could play in central defence, leaving Tony Ralston at right-back which would provide an additional option alongside Gustaf Lagerbielke and Liam Scales.
Sources in the Italian city claim they have slapped in an offer for O’Riley in recent days but it was quickly dismissed by Celts chiefs.
Rodgers will be in front of the media before and after the Derby match while Lawwell and his team work away in the background under little scrutiny or pressure.
Rodgers and Mark Lawwell have got seven more days to come up with solutions or else the hoops face four very demanding months in a far weaker position that they finished last season.
With a Glasgow Derby and Champions League campaign starting next month Rodgers will have to rethink his defensive plans ahead of a critical stage of the season.
His surname causes alarm among many Celtic fans, even if Mark is nothing like his Dad, is competent, modest and hard working without an ego in need of regular massage he will be viewed suspiciously by hoops supporters.
It almost seems like a throwaway detail after the Palma story but ‘three or four signings’ is bound to intrigue supporters as does the reference to Brendan Rodgers when the Celtic boss has firmly put recruitment matters down as the responsibility of Mark Lawwell.
Super Scoreboard host Gordon Duncan is a real mater of his craft. A caller goes on air then Motherwell fan Duncan reframes the question to the panellists which regularly includes the former Airdrie United management team of Gordon Dalziel and Mark Wilson.
English went into great depth about the atmosphere and passion created but chose to ignore one vital detail, a banner from the Union Bears that is certain to bring further sanctions and stand closures from UEFA.
What it might do though, is give them a kick up the backside to bring in, not just development players, but those who are ready to go into the first team and take Celtic up another level.