Anthony Ralston has had a difficult start to the Celtic season but is determined to impress manager Brendan Rodgers and compete for the right-back spot alongside Alistair Johnston.
Ralston reinvigorated his Celtic career during the 2021/22 season but didn’t quite kick on last term with injury and fitness issues meaning he only managed to make 15 appearances across the campaign.
His performance last week at home to Ross County drew criticism from some quarters, too. He looked a bit behind the curve in terms of match readiness compared to some of his teammates. That came after a shortened pre-season period due to injury.
But he’s doing everything he can to put himself forward and earn the trust of the manager who gave him his start at the Bhoys all those years ago.
Ralston told The Herald: “The hunger is still there. Back then, I was a kid trying to come into a team that was very hard to break into. But I’m still fighting every day to do that, nothing much has changed there. My football has evolved and I have learned as time has gone on. Hopefully, I can put it all into practice.
“The gaffer was here when I was younger and he put a lot of faith in me. He gave me chances and, looking back, that was massive for my career. I’m very thankful for those chances to play in the first team. He has come in at this point and I am very much looking forward to working with him. I’m delighted he is here. I’m now in a different place both in my personal life and here too.
“As footballers we all have personal lives and family. I’ve got my wee girl and that’s the difference from when the gaffer was here previously. She’s my reason for what I do now. Everything is for her. The gaffer will relate to that too.
“It’s a very exciting time at the club. I’m 24 now and I just want to push on as much as I can. But nothing changes in terms of putting the work in every day and looking to take my chances with both hands.”
With Johnston still working his way back to fitness, Ralston is expected to be named in today’s starting eleven away to Aberdeen. Celtic can have no point of weakness on the road, especially at Pittodrie, so the Scotland international needs to be sharp and on his game.
For many, he still has a bit to prove in terms of being a reliable, quality option as a back-up, especially when considering the jump to European level. But today is at least another chance for him to show he is capable. Everyone wants Ralston to succeed and hopefully he can push on from this point.
In other news, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers’ inside track on money-spinning summer transfers.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
