Celtic defender Anthony Ralston has been a solid presence for Brendan Rodgers this campaign when called upon.
For sure, there are flashier players out there; however, nobody can question the Scotland international’s grit and determination whenever he steps out at Parkhead.
This term, Ralston has made 16 appearances for Celtic in all competitions, registering a solitary assist in the process [Transfermarkt].
Forming part of the Bhoys’ homegrown core alongside Callum McGregor, James Forrest, and Stephen Welsh, among others, the 25-year-old’s redemption arc that sparked into life under Ange Postecoglou is a testament to his character.
Per Sofascore, the Lennoxtown graduate has impressively filled in on league duty circa 2023/24. He has earned a match rating of 7.04/10 for his displays, completing 3.9 ball recoveries, 1.5 clearances, and 1.1 tackles per game, alongside recording a pass accuracy rate of 88%.
With Celtic now into the final stretch of the Scottish Premiership season, Ralston will be determined to claim another couple of medals to add to his lengthy collection at Parkhead.
In a title race, you don’t emerge victorious by just having a strong starting line-up, and individuals such as Ralston are also pivotal figures in any such success.
Anthony Ralston could earn an unexpected boost
Scotland jet off to Germany this summer as EURO 2024 takes centre stage. The Tartan Army will fight it out with the host nation, Switzerland and Hungary in Group A for a place in the knockout stages.
Nevertheless, Steve Clarke has now been dealt another injury blow ahead of the tournament, which has left his available options at right-back dwindling following recent developments.
Last night, Everton defender Nathan Patterson left the field late into his side’s 6-0 defeat to Chelsea. The 22-year-old appeared to suffer a hamstring injury, which left him in noticeable discomfort as he trod off the field [The Scotsman].
Worryingly for Scotland, Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey is also a major doubt for the tournament after Thomas Frank revealed he is unlikely to play for the Bees again this campaign due to a serious hamstring problem of his own.
Conceivably, Clarke could now be left scrambling for other options, with Ralston among the main alternative candidates who could replace either stricken player.
Max Johnston, Calvin Ramsay and even Stephen O’Donnell are some additional choices that could be factored in regarding the right-back position; nevertheless, there is now scope for Ralston to play a prominent role at EURO 2024 amid a dramatic turn of events.