That’s no slight on Taylor who keeps doing the job, but he needs to be properly backed-up at the very least and upgraded if possible, especially with the Champions League in mind.
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.
Getting Johnston back into the side to the right of Cameron Carter-Vickers will bring some stability to the Celtic defence after the pre-season disruptions, giving Rodgers a better idea of what is required to strengthen his defence.
Against Athletic Club of Bilbao on Tuesday the returning manager got to see 22 players get 45 minutes each with the ‘B’ side putting on a better display in the second half than the expected first picks.
Johnston suffered an ankle injury in the Scottish Cup semi-final win at Hampden on April 30, after the final whistle he was celebrating on his crutches.