Steve Clarke has a plethora of right-backs to pick from for Scotland, including Celtic defender Anthony Ralston.
Despite Ralston being a back-up option at Celtic, he is still a regular for his country, and he will be eager to book his nation’s ticket for the 2026 World Cup next summer.
However, on Sunday, despite Scotland beating Belarus in a crucial World Cup qualifier, there was a sense of deflation after the match.
Ralston started the game at Hampden, but after the hour mark, he was hauled off, with Kieran Tierney going in at right-back, as Celtic’s right-footer struggled to cope with Belarus’ second-half burst.
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What did the Scottish media say about Anthony Ralston’s performance against Belarus
Two Scottish media outlets handed Ralston a rating of six out of ten, including a five from the Herald, which isn’t a good look on the player, given that Belarus are considered as minnows.
Ralston’s link-up play with Ben Gannon-Doak on the right flank was also noted, with the former Celtic winger continuing to shine on the international stage.
‘The Celtic defender came in at right-back due to Hickey’s injury,’ wrote the Scotsman.
‘He was put under early pressure by Belarus as they targeted his flank. Kept honest throughout the match and allowed Gannon-Doak to press forward ahead of him. Came off after 70 minutes for his club-mate Tierney as Scotland refreshed their defence. 6/10.’
Edinburgh News wrote: ‘Celtic defender stepped in for the injured Aaron Hickey and went about his business effectively. Put under early pressure but linked well with Gannon-Doak. Subbed after 71 mins. 6/10.’
‘In for the injured Aaron Hickey at right-back, the Celtic man was tested in the game’s infancy with a number of high Belarus balls into his channel,’ explained the Herald.
‘Ralston dealt with the threat relatively well, but seldom galloped forward. Replaced by his club teammate Kieran Tierney for the final 20 minutes. 5/10.’
Steve Clarke left raging…
On paper, Scotland are two wins, or even a point against Greece and a win against Denmark away from booking their 2026 World Cup ticket.
However, despite Scotland looking off-colour against Greece last time out, Clarke wasn’t pleased with what he saw from his players against Belarus, and he made his feelings clear after the match.
“Really disappointed, really, really disappointed,” said Clarke. “Possibly as disappointed as I have been over the whole 72 games. We just didn’t turn up.
“But before I go down that route, and you start asking me questions about why I am feeling like that. It is also to point out, and I said the other night, that performances don’t get you qualification.
“And tonight certainly wasn’t a performance. But we got three points – the performance was way below-par. A head scratcher.”
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