Defiant Anthony Ralston will return to Celtic invigorated after a successful international break, sending a clear message to Brendan Rodgers.
Despite being benched for much of the domestic campaign, Ralston proved his worth with Scotland, reminding the Hoops’ boss that he’s far from a fringe player.
The 26-year-old right-back is not a first-choice starter at Celtic, with Alistair Johnston currently excelling in that role.
Yet, for Scotland, Ralston was trusted by Steve Clarke to start in back-to-back UEFA Nations League matches, showcasing his resilience and ability on the international stage.
Scotland emerged victorious in both fixtures, keeping their hopes alive in the Nations League.
The highlight came on Monday evening as Andy Robertson, a lifelong Celtic fan, scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Poland.
That crucial goal secured Scotland a relegation play-off lifeline, ensuring they’ll face a two-legged tie in the spring to retain their top-tier status.
Ralston was instrumental in both games. He played the full 90 minutes in Scotland’s 1-0 triumph over Croatia at Hampden Park and clocked 76 minutes against Poland.
However, his performances weren’t without challenges. Against Poland, Ralston found himself under intense defensive pressure, leading to a nervy moment in the first half.
The usually reliable Andy Robertson played a risky square pass that put Scotland’s defence in jeopardy.
Ralston and Scott McTominay failed to clear the danger, nearly gifting the opposition a goal. It was a lapse that drew criticism, but former Scotland star James McFadden directed his frustration towards Robertson.
“I know McTominay and Ralston can do better,” McFadden said on BBC Sport.
“But Robertson should know better to play that square pass. One of them has to take control but they don’t. That is the warning sign. Really that should be the leveller.”
Despite the defensive scare, Ralston’s overall contribution did not go unnoticed. His performance against Poland earned a solid 6.83 rating from WhoScored, underlining his reliability. For a player not regularly featuring at club level, it was an impressive showing.
Tackles 3
Interception 3
Clear Passes 3
Passes 43
Pass Accuracy 88.4%
Long Balls 3
Touches 61
Rating 6.83
Back at Celtic, Johnston remains the undisputed starter. Yet, Ralston’s displays for Scotland serve as a reminder to Rodgers that he remains sharp and ready.
These performances not only boost his confidence but also keep him in contention, ensuring Celtic have a dependable option waiting in the wings.