Pat Bonner tips Anthony Ralston for future Scotland role after Celtic rebirth

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Pat Bonner has touted Anthony Ralston for a potential role with Steve Clarke’s Scotland should he keep up his incredible Celtic form.

Nobody saw these top displays coming from the academy graduate. After a couple of disappointing loan spells with Dundee United and St Johnstone, it looked as though Ralston had already proved himself not good enough to be a Celtic starter.

But in recent weeks, he’s been going through the gears after being consistently selected by Ange Postecoglou. The defender was exceptional against Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar last night after another stunning display vs Hearts on Sunday.

And as he starts to show levels Celtic fans didn’t even know existed in his game, the discussion about a potential maiden international call-up is on. When asked whether Ralston could break into the Scotland fold should he continue his recent form, Bonner said the following on BBC Radio Scotland:

“Yeah of course. He’s young, he’s Scottish, he’s improving. It’s always a target for any young Scottish player, to become an international. Because that’s what you do. You don’t develop just to be a club player. You develop, overall if you have ambition, to become an international player playing in the top competitions.

“Listen, he’s just starting off. The first thing for him to do now is to keep doing what he’s doing.”

Anthony Ralston has a long way to go before he should get his Scotland hopes up

You can understand the discussion. Scotland have had major right-back problems in recent years. Stephen O’Donnell of Motherwell did well at the Euros, but there’s little competition for him. And it’s fair to say an upgrade is likely needed in the long term.

However, Ralston has a massive challenge at Celtic first and foremost. Not just to keep his form going, but to keep his place in the side. The latest is that Croatian international Josip Juranovic is flying to Glasgow tomorrow to seal a deal at Parkhead [Legia.net].

This means that Ralston could be up against a title-winning right-back with international experience at major competitions. His only focus right now will be on ensuring he gets enough game-time to stand out this term.

Then you have the player’s contract situation. Ralston is into the final year of his deal. He was lucky it was extended by another year in truth given his situation this summer. He’s on the right path, but he’ll be constantly thinking about trying to nail down another long-term contract at Parkhead.

These are burning challenges that await Ralston before he can even think about Scotland contention. Capped at under-21 level, the 22-year-old has plenty of time to burst onto the scene under Clarke.

But there’s no denying he’s taking the right steps in terms of his development at the moment.

In other news, Report: Celtic have rejected several offers from Leeds United for Matthew Anderson