Alexandro Bernabei’s Celtic exit was one that surprised the Parkhead support this week. Not because they didn’t want to lose the player but because of the timing of it.
With Greg Taylor as the only recognisable fullback at the club, Bernabei’s absence now means that Brendan Rodgers finds himself short in that position for the remainder of the season.
However, Mark Wilson believes that the Celtic manager wouldn’t have let him go if he didn’t have a plan in place and the former Hoops defender reckons Rodgers has already got a backup player in mind.
Wilson said [Superscoreboard], “Well, I’ve got to think that Brendan Rogers has assessed all his options before he allowed Bernabei to exit the building.
“And sometimes when you’ve got a player like that that isn’t contributing and maybe making things worse, he’s an out-and-out left back so people expect you to put him on if there’s a problem.
“Yet he hasn’t contributed or contributed negatively, he’s right to cut the cloth. But I think he’s seen enough of Anthony Ralston, in the first instance that he’s trustworthy at left-back although he’s never going to give you that balance.
“So he’s obviously looked at that, weighed it up and thought we’re better without Bernabei we’ll go with Ralston if there’s a problem with Taylor.”
Anthony Ralston has already proven that he is a more than able backup in the left-back position. Brendan Rodgers has already shown faith in him after selecting him to play there earlier in the season ahead of a fully fit Bernabei.
Look, let’s be honest, Celtic have gone most of the past two seasons without needing to rely on the Argentinian defender. I think we’ll be okay in the final nine games of this season.
And looking at what Bernabei offered when he did get his opportunity this season at Celtic, we are better off taking the risk with Ralston who has never let us down yet.
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