The Celtic star set for big opportunity to set down Pittodrie marker

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Celtic full-back Anthony Ralston looks all set for a big opportunity to lay down a marker against Aberdeen at Pittodrie this weekend.

With the Scottish Premiership action currently on hold, all of the attention has been on the Hoops World Cup performers out in Qatar.

One of which being Josip Juranovic, who has helped Croatia impressively reach the semi-finals for the second time running at the prestigious tournament.

Unfortunately for the Celtic defender and his nation, their hopes of reaching the final came to an end on Tuesday evening, suffering defeat to Argentina.

Despite their exit from the competition, Croatia still have one more game to fulfil out in Qatar, against either France or Morocco in the 3rd-placed play-off.

Juranovic would have almost certainly been out of the Bhoys’ return to competitive action this weekend against Aberdeen, with Postecoglou likely to give the right-back some time off.

However, his involvement in the 3rd-placed play-off this Saturday confirms he won’t be back in Scotland in time, and that will probably be the case for the next few fixtures.

Of course, the Hoops have made a new addition to the squad in Juranovic’s position, bringing Alistair Johnston to the club ahead of the January window.

However, the former Montreal Impact man won’t be able to feature for Postecoglou’s side until the 1st of January.

Trip to Aberdeen gives Ralston the chance to lay down first choice marker.

So, there is only really one option for Ange Postecoglou at Pittodrie, and that is to start academy graduate Anthony Ralston.

The 24-year-old is no stranger to the position under Postecoglou and has featured regularly over the past 18 months. But, he has mostly been seen as the 2nd choice option in most supporters’ eyes.

With it looking increasingly likely that Juranovic could depart the club this winter after a strong World Cup showing and Johnston not being able to be involved until next month, now is the chance for Ralston to set down a marker.

Of course, when Johnston becomes available, he will also play his fair share of minutes. As we have become used to on a regular basis, the Celtic manager likes to rotate his side.

However, the Croatian featured in all six of the Hoops Champions League games, and most fans would probably admit he was seen as first choice.

So, the next few weeks are the perfect opportunity for Anthony Ralston to lay down his marker and showcase why he deserves to be seen in that role.

The Scotland international has more than enough quality, and that was on show last season, scoring some crucial goals on our way to a league and cup double.

I am sure Ralston will be more than happy to share the right-back responsibilities with Johnston when January rolls around, and he is able to feature for the first time in green and white.

But ultimately, if Juranovic is to move on next month, then that first-choice right-back role is up for grabs, and Ralston’s chance to lay down a marker starts at Pittodrie.

In other news, Referee for Aberdeen vs Celtic clash confirmed with VAR attention set to return.