Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston has praised fellow Hoops teammate Greg Taylor for his impressive start to the 2022/23 campaign.
Following on from a solid end to last season, Taylor has continued his fine form and been one of Ange Postecoglou’s most consistent performers so far.
Those performances once again earned the former Kilmarnock man a call-up to the Scotland squad, and following an injury knock to Kieran Tierney, the Celtic full-back was given his chance to impress against the Republic of Ireland.
Taylor is not the only Celtic full-back who was provided with the opportunity to impress in Steve Clarke’s side after Anthony Ralston was introduced due to a further injury knock to Aaron Hickey.
With Tierney dropping out of the squad and Hickey still potentially recovering from his knock, the Celtic duo could be in line to start in Scotland’s crucial game against Ukraine on Tuesday.
Speaking in a recent interview, Ralston insisted that he and Taylor are ready to step in, as he praised his Hoops teammate for his performance this campaign, including in the victory on Saturday night.
He said [Sun Sport]: “It’s unfortunate for the boys and not something you want to see happen. Hopefully, the lads are OK, and we can get some of them back fit for the game on Tuesday night. If not, they will be big misses.
“But the main thing is we are together as a squad, even the boys who haven’t been involved in the first couple of matches.
“The training sessions have been good. That’s what you have to do, be ready to go in if required. We’re strong as a squad. The strength in depth is brilliant.
“If you get the chance, then you just have to believe in yourself. That’s important in your career, regardless of what level you’re at.
“Greg Taylor is like myself. There is a lot of competition in his position.
“But he did brilliantly when he came on. He’s had a great start to the season with Celtic as well, so I’m very pleased for him.”
Celtic stars ready to step up ahead of huge international outing.
Going into Tuesday’s game in Poland, Greg Taylor has more than justified his opportunity to be named in Steve Clarke’s starting 11.
Whilst Ralston may not have made as many appearances this season, he has shown on several occasions he is more than capable of setting up to the mark.
Both players have made standout improvements after just over 12 months of working under Ange Postecoglou, and it is great to see that the Celtic duo could be set for a huge opportunity on Tuesday.
I am sure following on from an impressive 2021/22 campaign and strong start to this season, Taylor and Ralston will be confident of stepping up and showing their worth to the national team boss.
From a club point of view, that should also leave both players full of confidence ahead of a huge run of fixtures during the month of October, when they return on the domestic front later this week.
In other news, Callum McGregor makes ’70 games a season’ quip showcasing brilliant Celtic mentality.
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