Celtic told what is ‘freakish’ about Anthony Ralston after Scotland duty

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Anthony Ralston returns to Celtic with mixed feelings following the conclusion of the international break.

The Celtic defender was one of many players away on international duty and the only player called up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland side.

Callum McGregor has retired from duty, whilst summer signing Luke McCowan wasn’t picked, despite a few young stars earning maiden calls.

It all started well for Ralston because he helped Scotland beat Greece in Athens in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League A/B playoff tie.

The 26-year-old was rightfully lauded and applauded, including playing the entire 90 minutes and helping Scotland secure a clean sheet.

But then, in the return leg, Ralston was criticised for Scotland’s 3-0 defeat to Greece, where they suffered relegation to UEFA Nations League B, and in truth, everyone to a man was woeful.

Once again, Ralston played the entire game, and Andy Walker realised the odd situation he is in.

• READ MORE: Hugh Keevins critical of Anthony Ralston treatment by Celtic fans after Scotland display

Andy Walker on ‘freakish’ situation for Anthony Ralston at Celtic and Scotland

Alistair Johnston is Celtic’s starting right-back, and for large parts, he has been a consistent performer, so it’s going to be difficult to dethrone him from the XI.

Either way, Walker told Go Radio that he finds it ‘freakish’ that Ralston is ‘playing more games’ for his country than at club level.

But the former striker wanted to give the back-up Celtic fullback his flowers, including how he doesn’t let anyone down.

“In regards to Anthony Ralston, the fact that he is playing more games for Scotland than he is for Celtic is a bit freakish,” said Walker.

“But he tends not to let anyone down. We would all expect, if Aaron Hickey is back fit again, then he will come back into the team, but Anthony Ralston is such a good professional.”

Ralston’s minutes and starts for Celtic and Scotland

Celtic are on course for the Treble and Johnston has played a huge part in that, so you don’t expect him to lose his place anytime soon.

Perhaps, with the Premiership title almost wrapped up, Ralston might find that he earns those extra starts or minutes in the league.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	CelticCeltic	30	24	3	3	89	20	69	75
2	RangersRangers	30	19	5	6	62	28	34	62
3	HibernianHibernian	30	11	11	8	45	41	4	44
4	AberdeenAberdeen	30	12	7	11	38	46	-8	43

But, for the most part, in all competitions, even in the so-called lesser matches, the Scotland star is having to go away on international duty to find that sharpness and rhythm.

So, how do his minutes compare between club and country?