The 2021/22 campaign proved to be an incredible breakout year for Celtic youngster Anthony Ralston.
Since his debut for the first team in 2016, aside from a handful of further appearances, the right-back wasn’t really seen around the squad.
The 23-year-old also spent time out on several loan spells with Queens Park, Dundee United and St Johnstone whilst trying to break into the squad plans.
After failing to make that breakthrough, many expected that the academy graduates’ time at Parkhead would be coming to an end last summer.
However, Ralston was handed a lifeline upon the arrival of new boss Ange Postecoglou, and he was one of the only right-back options remaining at the club.
The full-back featured heavily in the opening competitive fixtures and continued to show improvements in his game which left Celtic fans impressed.
Even after the arrival of another quality right-back option in Josip Juranovic, Ralston continued to competitively battle for his place in the team and ended up making 47 appearances.
To round off a dream year, he also picked up his first start for Scotland and even managed to score in the victory over Armenia.
The vast majority of Celtic fans have been left delighted at seeing Ralston’s progress over the last 12 months and the full-back now has his long-term future secured at the club.
Ralston’s next big task.
The next challenge for Ralston is showing anyone who still has doubts about his ability that last campaign wasn’t a one-off, and he is now here to stay.
The Celtic hero has shown his capabilities for the Hoops and now is his chance to take that to the next level, performing on the biggest stages of them all – the Champions League.
It is easy to forget that Ralston is only 23, and there is still lots of time to continue his development and improve on his game.
He is currently playing under the perfect manager to continue that development, and the next five weeks could be a huge opportunity for the right-back.
Whilst all the attention is on the future of Josip Juranovic, Ralson will be able to go about his business quietly and hopefully will continue to impress going into next season.
In other news, Report: Celtic set to discover Alexandro Bernabei suspension fate within 24 hours.
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