Anthony Ralston’s limited game time at Celtic hasn’t stopped the defender from earning plenty of international minutes with Scotland during their Nations League campaign.
The 25-year-old has started all three matches in the competition under Steve Clarke, owing to Scotland’s injury problems in the right-back position that have carried over from EURO 2024.
Last Saturday, Celtic man Anthony Ralston earned solid media reviews for his display in Croatia as the Tartan Army lost out 2-1, leaving them bottom of League A Group 1 into their clash with Portugal tonight.
He is likely to start again against Selecao at Hampden; his exposure earned in the Scotland set-up will compensate somewhat for his lack of prolonged involvement for the Bhoys.
The Lennoxtown graduate has made six appearances for Celtic this term, but only one was a start at home to Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup. Andy Walker is a fan of the man in question and has shared his verdict on his prospects for club and country.
Andy Walker talks up Celtic’s Anthony Ralston
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Walker indicated his belief that Ralston is ‘better’ off in a back four set-up, though he acknowledged it will be hard for the Scotland international to get in front of Alistair Johnston at Celtic.
He explained: “No not at all, I think the fact that Scotland are now in a back four, which seems to work well for them.
“Ralston I think is better in that position, I think he knows when to get forward. He’s finding it tough to get a regular game at Celtic.
“He’s clearly second choice to Alistair Johnston, but it’s great for him that he’s getting a bit of game-time with Scotland, and I thought he did well the other night.”
Anthony Ralston is a valiant Celtic servant
Whether he is a starter of comes off the bench at club level, Ralston always leaves everything on the pitch and his commitment to the cause is second-to-none regardless of the circumstances.
For someone who once looked certain to be on his way out of Celtic, the Scotland international has performed quite the career turnaround to get himself to this point.
Now, the focus for him is usurping a formidable positional counterpart in Canadian teammate Johnston, who is currently first-choice and provides insatiable hunger up and down the right flank.
Although that will be a tough challenge, Ralston will go all out to deliver on Brendan Rodgers’ belief in his ability to thrive while on the pitch.
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