“Whether he plays”; Brendan Rodgers alludes to important role for Anthony Ralston at Celtic

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Brendan Rodgers has been speaking about Anthony Ralston after the Celtic defender signed a contract extension.

Celtic announced on Tuesday that the Scotland international had agreed a new four-year deal, tying him down in Glasgow until the summer of 2027.

Ralston has struggled for gametime in recent weeks since Alistair Johnston returned from injury. The Canadian is clearly favoured at right-back by Rodgers. However, the Hoops manager still sees a positive period ahead for Ralston after the extension to his deal.

“Really, really happy for him,” Rodgers told Celtic TV. “He’s going to be a big part of the future here.

“Whether he plays or doesn’t play, he’s a very important member of the squad.

“When I spoke to him a little while back, he was so happy to commit himself to Celtic. He just loves being a part of the club. He loves being here and is ready to contribute. I’m very happy that he’s decided to sign on.”

Rodgers alluding to Ralston’s game-time situation with his “whether he plays or doesn’t play” remark seems to suggest that the defender will have an important squad role in his time at the club.

News of Ralston’s new deal received a mixed reaction on Tuesday. The defender, still only 24, burst on to the scene in Ange Postecoglou’s first year at the club.

This time last year, Ralston was vying with Josip Juranovic for our right-back berth. However, a year down the line he is firmly playing second fiddle to Johnston.

Many feel it is a position we should be looking to sign in, to provide further competition to Johnston and better cover if he misses more time through injury. However, others feel Ralston is a fine second-choice option to have.

I tend to come down in the latter camp. Ralston is clearly keen to be at Celtic, his boyhood club, and is unlikely to be taking up huge wages. He is an important squad member and someone who is unlikely to rock the boat.

He is a solid enough back-up to Johnston, and will help with things like the UEFA homegrown quota. At 24, he should still have some improvement in him too.

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