TOMMY JOHNSON might have been introduced to Scottish football in more salubrious surroundings than Stark's Park, Kirkcaldy, but at least Celtic's £2 million forward from Aston Villa is unlikely to have to spend a full 90 minutes on an awkward pitch.

Tommy Burns hinted yesterday that Johnson will probably be on "the substitutes bench. Paolo di Canio returns from suspension - the Italian missed the damaging 2-2 draw at Dunfermline two weeks ago. Burns was always likely to, give his regular front line the opportunity to keep the challengers within sight of leaders Rangers.

Burns is adamant that he and his players retain hope that they can still overcome the champions seven point lead in the five match run in.

With defender Malky Mackay and midfielder Peter Grant suspended, Burns is able to recall Alan Stubbs and Enrico Annoni to the back line. Both were missing when Dunfermline took advantage of a distinct lack of height in the Celtic defence to secure their draw.

Rangers are at home to Dunfermline today and are likely to have Mark Hateley to give them an aerial presence against the Fifers. Hateley was sent off during his "homecoming" against Celtic three weeks ago.