Celtic defender Anthony Ralston wasn’t able to accept a call-up to the Scotland squad due to medical reasons, according to the Daily Record.
Many Celtic fans, ourselves included, were left bemused with what appeared to be Steve Clarke’s decision to snub the defender twice. Ralston wasn’t included in the initial squad, whilst Paul McGinn was chosen over him to replace Nathan Patterson yesterday.
Ralston has been on fire in the early stages of the season. Under Ange Postecoglou, the Parkhead right-back has managed to carry out a Celtic renaissance as he continues to win the backing of the support.
An international call-up looked likely. However, the Record reports that this simply wasn’t feasible due to medical issues.
It remains to be seen if Ralston’s concerns affect his ability to play for Celtic after the international break. The Hoops are at home to Ross County next Saturday in the first of a seven-game phase before the next break.
Ralston will be hoping to break into the Scotland squad for the October and November camps respectively.
Celtic man Anthony Ralston will have future Scotland opportunities
Hopefully, Anthony is all good and will be able to return for Celtic. The main thing is the player’s health.
However, he shouldn’t feel too gutted about missing out on this current opportunity. Scotland will have camps over the next two months that Ralston is in a good position to be selected for.
His main challenge now is to see off the fight for his spot from Croatian international Josip Juranovic. Juranovic impressed in his debut against Rangers and has been shining for his national team since then.
If Ralston can continue to keep his spot, it’s a massive boost for him. Or, at the very least, continue to bag regular appearances in a rotational role.
Scotland don’t exactly have a list of high-quality right-backs. You can’t say the likes of Stephen O’Donnell or Paul McGinn are of better quality than Ralston either. So Tony is in a good place heading into the upcoming camps.
Fingers crossed, if he does indeed get selected, he’s able to join up with no concerns.
In other news, Portuguese Report: The release fee Benfica put in Celtic man Jota’s contract last year
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