Anthony Ralston continues Celtic renaissance ahead of big pre-season

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Anthony Ralston’s return to competitive action continued yesterday in the 3-1 reserve win over Motherwell at Forthbank Stadium.

Ralston has started the last several reserve team matches under Tommy McIntyre. This comes after he recovered from the injury problems that have halted him from competing for a first-team role.

And once again, it looks like Ralston had yet another productive 90 minutes ahead of what’s going to be a huge summer for him.

He’s by far the best right-back the reserve team has. Keeping him there for the final stages of the SPFL Reserve League’s title race is the correct thing to do. It keeps his mind focused for the short-term before looking to try and fight his way into contention this summer.

Words can’t describe just how huge a close-season this will be for Ralston.

Jeremy Toljan is heading back to Borussia Dortmund as it stands. He hasn’t done enough to impress, and any idea of a permanent move for him would surely be laughed at. Meanwhile, both Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa have their contracts up come the end of the season.

Would a new manager be best for Ralston?

It could be the case that, if Neil Lennon becomes the permanent manager, the likes of Lustig could stick around, and that would be a blow to Ralston’s chances given how much of a favourite Lustig has proven to be for Lennon.

Manny Perez is also set to return from what appears to be a productive loan spell with USL side North Carolina FC. Both he and Ralston are the only out-and-out right-backs contracted to Parkhead for next season.

But make no mistake, Ralston has to have a solid pre-season. If he doesn’t, any chances of being a key part of the Celtic team next season can be forgotten about. The Hoops have the cash to buy a new right-back this summer if necessary, and in truth, it’s an area we could still do with bolstering numbers in.

A strong pre-season, however, and why not Ralston for right-back? He’s at a period in his career when he needs games, however. Another campaign like this one wouldn’t be ideal.

Therefore, if he isn’t deemed good enough, it would surely be worth doing to get him a loan move. That way he can continue his development and hopefully get some consistent senior football under his belt before coming back to try and prove himself once more.

Regardless, it’s a huge summer for Ralston. He has a massive opportunity on his hands with three right-backs scheduled to depart. But he needs to prove he can take it before he can dream of being first-choice.