Celtic star Anthony Ralston won his ninth cap for Scotland on Friday night, two years after starting his last international match.
Steve Clarke’s side played their final warmup game ahead of EURO 2024, drawing 2-2 with Finland at Hampden with a massive test against Germany looming next week.
An own goal from a deflected Andy Robertson cross and a Lawrence Shankland header had the home side two up before Finland fought their way back into it.
Following injuries to Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson, Ralston was thrust back into the spotlight with his country, lining up in the right wing-back position.
The Bhoys defender only started eight matches for Brendan Rodgers throughout the 2023/24 season but is now set for a prominent role in the upcoming tournament.
Anthony Ralston justifies his Scotland selection
Ralston has done his chances of a start against the Germans no harm at all with a solid showing tonight. He was combative and assertive throughout, helping Scotland push up the pitch in the second half particularly.
His most influential moment came in the build-up to Scotland’s second goal. The wing-back spotted acres of space in the Finnish half to draw a Ryan Christie pass. He did well to keep the ball in play before swinging in a cross that was recycled by Robertson for Shankland to head home.
With 71 touches in total, he misplaced just one of his 49 attempted passes across the 90 minutes. While just one of his eight crosses landed on a Scotland player, he consistently probed at the Finns, helping the home team establish pressure before the late collapse.
He was busy on and off the ball. The defender won one tackle, five of his seven duels, made two interceptions and two recoveries.
His overall match rating on FotMob was a healthy 7.5, superior to other – more established – members of the Scotland team. It’ll be interesting to see who Clarke now goes with in the position next Friday night. For many, Ralston will be a justified pick.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor also played the full 90 minutes tonight and will be a starter at the Euros, while left-back Greg Taylor came into the match as a 63rd-minute substitute on the opposite flank to Ralston.