Anthony Ralston stepped into a high-pressure semi-final and delivered exactly what Celtic required, and it backed up what Jim Goodwin has now said about the criticism surrounding him.
Celtic beat St Mirren 6-2 after extra time to secure their place in the Scottish Cup final, in a game that demanded contributions from across the squad. The match exposed how quickly momentum can shift, but it also highlighted which players could be relied upon.
Anthony Ralston was central to that, scoring as Celtic progressed with a 6-2 win after extra time. His involvement went beyond one moment and stretched across the full 120 minutes and it earned lavish praise from Dundee United boss Goodwin.
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Celtic criticism of Anthony Ralston challenged by Jim Goodwin
Ralston has been one of the players criticised this season, but that is now being directly challenged after the Celtic defender’s performance against St Mirren was talked up by Goodwin.
Goodwin said, “Listen, this is a fantastic goal. Really good working from one side of the pitch to the other. Great awareness from Yang.
“And I have to say, I think Anthony Ralston deserves a big mention for his performance this afternoon. You know, he’s not started the game for Celtic, I think, till the way back in the middle of January, in this competition in fact, against Auchinleck, I think it was.
“He’s gone and played 120 minutes there today. Never put a foot wrong all afternoon. A couple of great diagonal passes within the game, made some big blocks and tackles here, lay ons in extra time as well.
“And, you know, the goal was a terrific finish. But he’s a player that’s come in for a lot of criticism over the course of the season, as have a number of the Celtic players, but his performance today was excellent.”
Ralston played the entire 120 minutes and put in a superb performance contributing with blocks, tackles, and composed passing under pressure. His goal added a class moment to an already strong display.
The Celtic star delivered a full performance in a semi-final that required concentration and consistency and just answered the criticism aimed at him proving that it has been over-the-top.
Celtic mentality point reinforced by Ralston display
The more important point is how Ralston produced a performance of that quality considering his limited minutes in the Celtic first-team. This reflects on his strong mentality that remains valuable within the squad.
Ralston’s last start in this competition came months earlier, but he handled the demands of 120 minutes with no issue at all. There was no drop in intensity or awareness at any stage.
Performances like this explain why the criticism highlighted by Goodwin does not fully reflect his contribution. Celtic benefit from players who can deliver at that level without needing a run of games.
Ralston’s display does not change everything about his season, but it does support the argument that the criticism around him has not always matched his output. Celtic are stronger for having players capable of responding in that way when called upon.
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