Celtic aren’t in action at the moment due to the close season, though there is still plenty going on as the new campaign draws closer.
Firstly, speculation over recruitment this summer is heightening amid news that Paulo Bernardo could be returning to Parkhead permanently. Recent reports suggest an overall package of £3.5 million may be in the works.
The Portugal Under-21 international is keen for an agreement to be sealed, so hopefully, it is only a matter of time before further details come to light.
Away from the transfer front, several Celtic players are on international duty with their respective nations, with some vying for slots ahead of EURO 2024 in Germany.
Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor, Anthony Ralston, and James Forrest will hope to cement their place on the plane once Steve Clarke cuts his squad to 26 tomorrow, which would be a brilliant achievement for all involved after helping Celtic win a domestic double.
Now, former Hoops man Peter Grant has highlighted the wide range of attributes one member of his old side regularly brings to the table for club and country.
Peter Grant on Anthony Ralston’s wide-ranging attributes
While discussing who should start at right-back for Scotland in their EURO 2024 opener against Germany next Friday, Grant shared his belief that Celtic man Ralston should get the nod over Ross McCrorie.
Of course, this subject has been widespread in media circles recently due to the significance of the tournament for the Tartan Army; nevertheless, his comments will resonate with the Parkhead faithful, as the 25-year-old doesn’t always get the appreciation he deserves for club or country.
He stated [Go Radio Football Show]: “I still think, if it’s me, I’d be starting Tony Ralston if you’re playing with wing-backs. That’s not because of the Celtic connection; I just feel Tony Ralston gets forward well, delivers, one vs one defending, he’s strong, aggressive, and he defends his back post well.
“I think if Scotland drop into the back five or the ball is going down the opposite side, I think Tony does that well and defends his back area.”
Anthony Ralston could be set for more minutes next term
Brendan Rodgers recently gave an honest account of where he sees Ralston at the club, revealing the academy product could be set for more game-time in 2024/25 following 18 appearances this term [Transfermarkt].
He stated: “He will feature more for me next season. Part of this season was that Ali was the first choice. Tony came in and played some games. Ali had been out for a while, so when he came back from injury, I needed to get him games to get him up to speed. That meant that Tony hadn’t played so much.”
Conceivably, a successful few outings in Germany could help his cause; however, Alistair Johnston will be a difficult man to displace on the right-hand side of defence.
Either way, it will be intriguing to see what is in store for Ralston at Celtic over the next few months in light of Rodgers’ comments.