Celtic defender Anthony Ralston has discussed the importance of squad unity within Ange Postecoglou’s side this season.
The full-back was a regular feature under Postecoglou last campaign, making 47 appearances and helping the Hoops towards league and cup success.
However, in the opening stages of the 2022/23 campaign, Ralston has found minutes a little harder to come by, with Josip Juranovic nailing down the right-back slot.
On Wednesday evening, the academy graduate made his first start of the season when the Hoops travelled to take on Ross County in the Premier Sports Cup.
The 23-year-old went on to have a key role in the game, providing two assists as the Bhoys ran out 4-1 winners and secured their place in the next round of the cup.
Despite a strong showing in Dingwall, many Celtic fans would probably agree, it seems unlikely that Ralston will remain in the starting line-up for the next two games.
Should he play from the start, I am sure supporters would still be more than happy. However, Josip Juranovic has showcased his quality on the big occasion and appears to be Postecoglou’s first choice at this moment in time.
That isn’t something that is going to affect Ralston’s, though, who knows his minutes in the side will come, as he opened up on how important squad unity will be this season.
He said [The Herald]: “It is part and parcel of football. We have a good squad. We have a lot of games coming up this season, so it is just about keeping the mentality of being ready for when your chance comes.
“We are all going to play games, and it is an exciting season for us all. So we all have to stay ready, stay mentally positive, and that’s what we have all done.
“You see [against Ross County] all the boys who came in, we’ve all put in a good performance. So now we recover and get ready for the weekend.
“There are a lot of games coming up. It is one game at a time. Whoever plays, we’ve got a strong team. It is not about that; we are in it as a team, in it as a squad.
“We support each other, and like you seen [on Wednesday], the boys that came in done their job. Boys that play at the weekend will do the same, and so on.
“We have a good squad, and we are ready for the new season.”
Squad unity at Celtic crucial with such a strong group of players to pick from for Ange Postecoglou.
After the end of the summer transfer window, many fans have been assessing the work conducted by Ange Postecoglou and the club.
And, it is fair to say that a lot of supporters are delighted by the business, with the 57-year-old building a strong squad full of options across the park.
Of course, having a strong squad can have its challenges, with so many players vying for the 11 places within the starting line-up.
However, this Celtic side is well aware that their minutes will come at some point this season due to the busy fixture schedule throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
It is also clear to see how united this squad is as one, supporting one another during every match, and that is going to be crucial should we hope to achieve more success this season.
Anthony Ralston is the prime example of what players should be looking to do this season; coming into the side, making an impact and improving your chances of keeping that place, with plenty of competition for positions across the pitch.
In other news, Mikey Johnston speaks after securing Celtic loan exit; reveals teammates’ influence on move.
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