Celtic star Anthony Ralston got some valuable minutes under his belt last night as Scotland narrowly saw off Croatia to keep their slim hopes of Nations League progression alive.
Despite only 231 minutes of club action this campaign, Steve Clarke’s right-back conundrum has led him to install the Hoops defender as his auxiliary first-choice in the role while Aaron Hickey remains sidelined due to injury.
Leaving everything on the pitch, Ralston received media appraisal against Croatia last night. He helped the Tartan Army keep a clean sheet on the road to a crucial 1-0 triumph over Croatia at Hampden Park.
Providing the oxygen for Ben Doak to trouble Josko Gvardiol, Lennoxtown product Ralston didn’t let his country down on a night where victory was the only option for Scotland.
Evaluating his recent progress on the international stage, Jim Duffy has dished out a few home truths regarding his involvement as a starter under Clarke.
Jim Duffy’s firm defence of Anthony Ralston
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Duffy was keen to point out that it would’ve been ‘harsh’ for Clarke to leave Ralston out against Croatia despite calls from some for Aberdeen’s Nicky Devlin to be awarded a start in his place amid his recent form.
He stated: “I agree with you; I think that in a back four, he’s much more comfortable. Obviously, he plays that way with Celtic and has done so for a number of years when he does get his game time.
“Therefore, he’s more relaxed in that shape. We mention Steve Clarke is loyal, and he does like to show loyalty in return to his players, so the likes of Ralston, who hasn’t done anything wrong, it would be harsh to leave him out.
“I understand from a current perspective, Nicky Devlin is playing week in, week out and doing very well, but if you just take the international matches that Anthony Ralston (has played in), a similar sort of argument could be made for Kenny McLean.
“If he’s in the team, like any team, if you’ve done well, why do you deserve to be left out?”
Ralston makes his point on Scotland duty
Without stating the obvious too much, Alistair Johnston has established himself as a firm first-choice under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and that is unlikely to change any time soon.
On the flip side, Ralston has offered a timely reminder of his quality after another commendable display against one of Europe’s elite sides.
Admittedly, Scotland being able to play against ten men did alter the state of proceedings, but Croatia are still a talented outfit who applied pressure in the latter stages.
Nevertheless, Ralston stood up to the task as he always does and deserves credit for his application on the night, which has helped his country to record a first competitive victory of 2024.
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