The former Rangers star, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted elements like physiology and biochemistry are “huge” in the modern game.

As quoted by the Glasgow Times (26th October), Johnston hailed recent hire McElhone for helping him get back to fitness after his injury layoff.

The 22-year-old has suffered several setbacks after returning from a serious knee injury.

However, he is back in contention for Celtic and has made four substitute appearances this season.

Celtic appointed McElhone last month, with Ange Postecoglou stating he had been “brilliant” since joining the Bhoys.

The new arrival previously worked as a fitness coach at Tottenham and New England Revolution.

He was also interim manager at Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton between 2020 and 2021.

Hutton hailed McElhone’s arrival and insisted he would have a major role to play helping the likes of Johnston back to his best.

Discussing the importance of sports scientists, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’s a massive part of football nowadays. The physical side of it and output is huge so you need to recover well.

“This (Johnston) is a guy who has had a lot of injuries over his career so far. He has probably tried all different methods.

“If he’s hailing the new guys who have come in and they’re helping him, stick with it. See what he can do in the future.

“He’s a very talented boy and he just needs that run of games. That means he needs to be fit.”

McElhone has replaced former Hoops figure Jack Nayler in the head of sports science role.

Nayler left Parkhead earlier this year to join RB Leipzig.

This article was originally posted here