Former Celtic striker Scott McDonald has addressed the “ridiculous” decision to omit Anthony Ralston from the Scotland squad earlier today.
It was a big day for the first-choice Celtic right-back after he penned a new 4-year deal that takes him until the summer of 2025. However, that announcement only came after a massive blow for Tony as he was again left out of Steve Clarke’s Scotland setup.
Instead, the likes of Nathan Patterson and Stephen O’Donnell bagged spots despite not operating at the same level as Ralston over the last several months.
And with another 4 months separating now and the next international break, McDonald has moved to question why he’s again been left out.
Speaking exclusively to 67HailHail, Skippy said: “It goes on the here and the now performances. I think you’re meant to pick your best players in form. It’s difficult sometimes, England used to have this problem a lot where they just picked the players the manager liked rather than the ones that should be there and deserve the call-up.
“We all know who he’s worked with and he backed him during the Euros. I think that’s his number 1 choice in terms of that role and that position [Stephen O’Donnell]. I know Stephen well and he would probably be the first to admit ‘I’m not playing at the level that Tony’s playing at. But all I can do is go out and do the best that I can. Don’t blame me, I’m working my nuts off to get in the squad. I’m in it. So if I get picked I’m going to work my what off for Scotland’.
“I don’t blame anyone else, it’s Steve Clarke’s decision. But you’ve got to go on the basis of the performance and what level they’re performing at. If they’re in Europe, performing well and doing that then that’s another level so if he’s getting that experience and exposure then surely that bodes him well going into your national team setup. Playing in other European countries and competitions then he’s going to be more confident as well with the performances he’s had.
“He can at least be in the squad. I think not being in the squad at all is a little bit ridiculous.”
Celtic man Anthony Ralston should have his sights set on March Scotland squad
Make that 3 times in-a-row that Ralston has been snubbed from the Scotland squad. Throughout the entirety of the 2021/22 season, during which the player has undergone a tremendous renaissance, he’s been given absolutely no international recognition whatsoever.
Instead, Clarke has gone with players who haven’t been operating anywhere near the level of Ralston. There’s been no explanation given as to why that is. And it’s even more bewildering considering Clarke hasn’t been able to settle on either of them.
Ralston will now miss out on the rest of the World Cup qualifiers. Scotland will wrap up their qualification campaign with the upcoming November matches against Moldova and Denmark respectively. However, there’s still a chance for the Celtic man to play his part in qualification.
Should the Scots see the job through and bag 2nd spot in their group, they’ll qualify for a playoff semi-final spot. That clash will take place in late March before the final just days later. If Ralston can continue his superb form, Clarke will have no option but to throw him in for those contests.
Granted, that will require another solid 4 months of hard work. But that’s something Ralston is likely to thrive under. At only 22 years of age, he still has the world at his feet and has plenty of time to make that Scotland right-back spot his own.
Let’s just hope that Clarke sees sense come that time.
In other news, Celtic confirm they will receive away fan allocation for Bayer Leverkusen trip
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