Celtic defender Anthony Ralston was thrust into the limelight with Scotland over the international break despite having yet to start at club level this season.
The academy product has clocked up 51 competitive minutes under his belt off the bench against Kilmarnock, Hibernian and St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.
Brendan Rodgers has leaned with Alistair Johnston as his predominant right-back this term. However, he did hint earlier this year that supporters could see more of Ralston in 2024/25.
After praising the role he plays in the side, the Irishman added: ” He is a wonderful example of someone who treats his training like it’s a game so that when he comes in he is game-ready.”
Due to injuries in the right-back department, Ralston has been handed an unexpected first-choice role with Scotland, putting his readiness to the test on the international scene.
Anthony Ralston has shown match readiness with Scotland
On the face of it, it can be hard to come into the picture at international level when you haven’t been regularly starting with your club.
Ultimately, Ralston’s minutes off the bench have left him with some match practice, albeit coming in a different stage of the game when Celtic have been comfortably ahead.
With that in mind, being pitched in from the start against Poland and Portugal was always going to present challenges.
Despite being penalised for a clumsy challenge that led to a penalty in the first instalment of Scotland’s Nations League double-header at home to Poland, Ralston retaliated well with an assist and showed his bravery in possession when it would’ve been easier to take the safe pass.
Following that up, the Celtic man stuck to his task against two skilled opponents in Rafael Leao and Joao Felix in Lisbon last night, earning credit from the Scottish media due to his bravery in a difficult environment.
Anthony Ralston is ready if Celtic require his presence
He may not play a wealth of football at club level. Johnston may also be above him in the pecking order; nevertheless, Ralston is a valiant performer who works tirelessly when called upon.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke has stuck by the Celtic defender for a reason, his commitment to the task at hand cannot be faulted. Even if you want to accuse him of making a mistake, he is always visible and finds a way to rectify the course of public opinion.
His added match practice during the international break will only help his chances of featuring at club level. The Bhoys have a loaded fixture schedule ahead, meaning rotation will be required to avoid over-exertion.
If anyone needed a reminder, Ralston is there and ready to come in should Rodgers feel the need to change it up over the coming weeks.
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