What the national media said about Anthony Ralston as Celtic star helps Scotland thump Liechtenstein

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Anthony Ralston is used to playing a squad role at Celtic.

But despite the lack of minutes and starts on the domestic stage under Brendan Rodgers, the right-back still finds himself part of the Scotland set-up.

If Scotland qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and given that a record-breaking 48 teams will be competing in it, you have to do something seriously wrong not to book that golden ticket.

That’s probably where Ralston will push for more minutes at Celtic next season, because Alistair Johnston is the first-choice.

Ralston didn’t feature in Scotland’s humiliating defeat to Iceland last time out, but Steve Clarke brought him back into the reckoning for the trip to Liechtenstein on Monday.

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How Celtic’s Anthony Ralston rated following Scotland’s win over Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein are one of the lowest-ranked teams in world football, and this was an international friendly, but there was still immense pressure on the players.

That’s because of how the Iceland game panned out, but the Scots rose to a 4-0 win, with Ralston playing a part in the third goal scored by George Hirst.

Ralston played 68 minutes before being replaced by Nathan Patterson, and he was lauded by the national media for his performance, including earning himself a rating of 7/10 by the National.

Edinburgh News wrote: ‘Provided the cross which Adams knocked into Hirst’s path for Scotland’s third goal. Subbed. 6/10’.

The Scotsman stated: ‘Not tested defensively, with Scotland largely on the front foot against poor opposition. Kept things simple on the attack and ended the game with a 92% passing accuracy rate. 6/10’.

The National added: ‘A 21st cap for the full-back who you can count on always giving his all. That was once more the case on Monday night as Ralston motored up and down the right-hand side with ease. Celtic stalwart remained switched on when others didn’t to play a fine ball into the box in the lead up to his nation’s third of the night’. 7/10′.

Does Ralston deserve more minutes at Celtic?

There is a difference in style between Ralston and Johnston, the latter is more flexible and fluid going forward.

Whilst Ralston has more of a defensive brain and doesn’t venture forward as much as the supporters want him to do so.

But should the 26-year-old be playing more minutes? Even if it is to provide Johnston a rest, and not to play nearly every game, especially with the extra games in Europe.

The stats proved last season that Ralston probably deserves more game time, but it’s not easy featuring regularly for Scotland’s top club.