After seeing little action with the team this season, Celtic defender Anthony Ralston is expected to see more playing time under Brendan Rodgers’ direction next year.
Throughout 2023–24, Ralston has made 18 appearances for the Bhoys; however, just eight of those games have been as starters, with Alistair Johnston securing his position as Rodgers’ first choice.
The right-back, however, has been picked for Steve Clarke’s preliminary Euro 2024 team and is anticipated to board a flight to Germany this summer.
Now, Rodgers has hinted that Ralston may anticipate playing more minutes after the summer and that he will grow in importance for Celtic going ahead.
It appears that Celtic will not be searching the transfer market in the forthcoming summer window for a new right-back.
The Celtics’ Anthony Ralston is praised by Brendan Rodgers
“He will feature more for me next season,” the Celtics manager stated during a press conference on Thursday. This season included the fact that Ali (Johnston) was selected first. Tony entered and engaged in some gaming. After Ali’s lengthy absence due to injury, I had to get him some games to get him back up to speed. This implied that Tony had not been playing as much.
However, there are a few issues regarding Tony. For starters, his training is the game, so even when he isn’t playing, I know he is always prepared. He therefore practices daily, and his standards, abilities, and mindset are akin to those of a game.
“For that reason, I can start him against St. Mirren in the season’s final game, and in the ninetieth minute, he runs up and crosses the ball to score the game-winning goal. Why? due to the fact that he trains himself. He is an amazing example of someone who approaches his training like a game so that he is prepared for battle when he arrives.
“I am aware that Scotland has experienced some injuries, but Tony is still a fantastic option for them even with those players available.” He has competed at the greatest level, taken part in pivotal moments, and participated in Champions League matches. He is a winner, he possesses that mindset, and he would never fail Scotland.
Ralston has tremendous security because he is still only 25 years old and signed a new long-term contract with the club that runs until the summer of 2027 last September.
He appears content in his squad duty, and Rodgers will need players who are dedicated to their work if they are to perform well and not become frustrated about not being the star of the show in their role.
Over the next 12 months, expect to see a lot more of the Scottish man.
