Celtic defender Anthony Ralston made just his second appearance of 2023 on Sunday, coming on as a second-half substitute for Alistair Johnston at the right-back position.
Ralston has had a difficult season in comparison to 2021/22, making just 12 appearances in total with injury and fitness issues setting back his progress significantly. However, on Sunday, he returned with a bang to help Celtic protect a 1-0 lead in the crucial Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers.
Ralston didn’t shy away from his responsibilities despite potentially being rusty, relishing the physical battle with opponents such as Todd Cantwell. The Celtic defender could be seen exchanging verbals on occasion with the Rangers midfielder and issued a couple of stiff challenges to leave him on the turf – something he brilliantly highlighted in his first Instagram post for two months.
It’s going down a storm with Celtic supporters. Cantwell has already made himself something of a comedy figure with many online who have poked fun at his social media antics and taken a dislike to how he conducts himself on the pitch, including petty behaviour such as denying Reo Hatate a water bottle during yesterday’s game.
Ralston could now get significant Celtic game time
With Johnston leaving Hampden Park on crutches following a collision with Borna Barisic, Celtic are now waiting on the extent of any leg injury the Canadian may have suffered. Postecoglou won’t be taking any risks here with the league almost wrapped up.
It looks like Ralston is now set to get a spell in the first team and he could even string together five or six more appearances between now and the end of the season. That would be a fine way for him to end the campaign and a reward for the hard work he’s put in to return to fitness and contention for Celtic.
When Josip Juranovic left the club, Postecoglou made a point to mention that Ralston has as big a chance of stepping into his shoes as the new signing Johnston.
While the January recruit looks the part and is well worth his consistent starting spot, Ralston can still play an important squad role for the Bhoys moving forward. This could be his chance to show that again.
In other news, Celtic now on brink of world record at the expense of Rangers.
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