Anthony Ralston explains why his Celtic performances are paying off at national level

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Celtic are in the middle of the close season as international football gets set to take precedence over the next few weeks.

Steve Clarke’s Scotland could make history at EURO 2024 this summer as they prepare to take on Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary in the group stages of the competition. The aim is to break through to the knockout phase for the first time ever.

Anthony Ralston, James Forrest, Callum McGregor and Greg Taylor will provide Celtic representation at the finals, should Craig Gordon and John Souttar become the two players to be cut from the Tartan Army’s squad [BBC Sport].

In no uncertain terms, Celtic’s late flurry of excellent performances to conjure a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double would’ve helped some of the group and their prospects of making the final selection alongside injury concerns elsewhere; nevertheless, availability is the most important commodity in football.

Now, one Hoops man has explained how his mindset has put him on the right path to play a part at EURO 2024.

Anthony Ralston on Celtic form boosting national chances

Despite having to bide his time behind Alistair Johnston, Ralston made 18 appearances in 2023/24 for Celtic across all competitions, registering two assists [Transfermarkt].

Delivering some important contributions when called upon, the 25-year-old has opened up on how his professionalism and exploits at club level have stood him in good stead heading to Germany.

He stated [PLZ Soccer]: “It is your job, it is your profession and every day you need to be professional when you go into your work regardless of the situations.

“That’s exactly what you’re asked to do, and it’s important you do so because you keep yourself in the right mindset and you also keep yourself in the best physical shape.

“For me personally, I feel in a great place physically and mentally, that’s just due to doing the work. Then, when your opportunity at club level to play, you take it, which is all I’ve tried to do throughout the season and its similar for James (Forrest).”

Anthony Ralston has a real chance of featuring at EURO 2024

Due to injuries in the right-back area for Scotland, it is between Ralston and Bristol City’s Ross McCrorie for a starting berth across the three group matches.

Conceivably, Clarke may look to alternate either during in-game situations or from one match to the next, and there may be an opportunity for the Lennoxtown graduate to achieve a crowning milestone in his career.

Considering where he was a couple of years ago, Ralston deserves all the credit he gets due to taking his game to the next level.