Anthony Ralston explains the area of his game he’s been working on in Celtic training

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Anthony Ralston has explained that he’s been working hard on his final ball in Celtic training recently.

The Hoops’ number one right-back put in 2 tremendous deliveries for Kyogo and Jota at Dens Park yesterday in a vital 4-2 win for the Hoops.

Ralston was essential as he constantly looked to get beyond the winger and put in a quality cross. Dundee couldn’t live with him, and he ended the day with 2 brilliant assists. Not to mention he played a key part in another when his shot came off the post.

The Lennoxtown graduate, again somehow snubbed for this week’s Scotland squad, has always had a problem with his crossing quality in the past. But he’s now explained that it’s an area of the game he’s been working hard on.

As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Ralston said: “I’m delighted to contribute to the team in a positive way. My job’s to defend, but if I can help the boys in any way in an attacking sense then I’m happy to do so.

“It’s something I’ve been working on at the training ground, my final ball, and when I’m in that area to take my time and pick someone out. So I’m happy I’ve been able to do that today. It’s been great and I’m loving every minute of it.”

Anthony Ralston showing his final-ball improvements for Celtic

Even when Ralston was showing his improvement in recent weeks, his final ball has still been a source of frustration.

Ralston has never had trouble getting to the byline or getting beyond the full-back for an overlap. However, when he gets into those areas, too often the ball will then fly out of play or go over everyone’s head. That’s just the lack of quality he had before when it came to his crossing ability.

Dens Park is a game-changer. Ralston was pinpoint for the most part, and you can tell he’s been working hard to get them right.

It’s just the nature of a Celtic full-back. Your job isn’t just to defend, it’s to be a threatening attacking outlet that can hurt the opposition. Ralston, to his credit, has managed to become that.

It remains to be seen whether his assists at Dens was just a good day for him, or whether he can take this final ball form into the rest of the November games. It certainly adds a very important string to his bow if he keeps at this particular level.

Hopefully, Ralston has finally managed to bolster what had previously been one of the weakest areas of his game.

In other news, £3m Celtic man has missed 4 consecutive matchday squads as his role becomes clear