Celtic star accused of being ‘not good enough’ gets unexpected defence from Kris Boyd

Add as preferred source on Google

Kris Boyd rarely has anything good to say about Celtic or the club’s players.

The former Rangers striker has learned over the years to keep quiet when it comes to negatives about Scotland’s biggest club because his words always come back to bite him.

Boyd was ‘whinging’ after Celtic beat Ross County while the big man was rattled after the same game when he felt Alistair Johnston should have been sent off.

But at times this term Boyd has been forced to eat his words over Hoops transfers as well as admitting Celtic made a ‘bold call’ to sell Kyogo in January. So needless to say the pundit has had plenty to say.

Now, though, the Sky Sports and Scottish Sun contributor has actually backed a Celtic player who he feels is sometimes considered “not good enough” by sections of the support when it comes to his international chances.

• READ MORE: The Celtic sliding doors moment from Rangers game which ‘changed narrative’ on Glasgow derby day

Kris Boyd hails ‘outstanding’ Celtic man Anthony Ralston for Scotland show

Anthony Ralston has had his Scotland critics with some members of the Tartan Army suggesting he is not at that level with the right-back not playing often enough at club level.

But following Ralston’s standout showing vs Greece in the Nations League playoff, Boyd made sure to defend the defender as he explained how he felt the 26-year-old deserved more credit as he was “outstanding”.

“It’s an ego-free zone. Take the team that started on Thursday. From Craig Gordon in goal to Che Adams up front, they have all had to deal with knocks to get to this level,” Boyd told the Scottish Sun.

“Tony Ralston is another prime example. He rarely plays for Celtic and there will always be people out there saying he’s not good enough for Scotland.

“But despite his lack of club action, he never put a foot wrong against the Greeks.

“Ralston was outstanding and that’s because he looks after himself and makes sure he is in the right condition to play for Scotland when called upon.”

What Steve Clarke said about Ralston’s Greece performance

Ralston has shown himself to be a good deputy at Celtic Park for fellow full-back Alistair Johnston while for the Scots he has done well enough with Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson still missing.

Steve Clarke hailed Ralston’s Greek showing, too, after the game.

The Scotland head coach also took into consideration how little he has played for Celtic this season and claimed that didn’t hinder him.

Clarke said after the 1-0 win: “Two of the defenders don’t play regularly at their club which is a big credit to them and how they prepare themselves, Tony Ralston and Grant Hanley. They did a great job.”