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The renaissance of Anthony Ralston’s Celtic career has to go down as the biggest success story at the club in 2021.
Some might consider the signings of Jota or Kyogo to the be the biggest stories, and they contributed hugely to the Hoops this season. But when you consider that Ralston’s time at the club seemed to be all but over before the season started, then the turnaround in fortunes is quite incredible.
It should be remembered that last season, 2020/21, Ralston played one game for Celtic. It’s a completely different story this season though, as he has become the first choice right-back at the club, and signed a new long term deal at Celtic Park.
So well has Ralston been playing that Josip Juranovic, who is Croatia’s right-back, has been moved to left-back at Celtic by manager Ange Postecoglou, to accommodate Ralston in the starting line-up.
The highlight of Ralston’s season so far has to be the injury-time winner against Ross County. With the Hoops on the verge of dropping vital league points, the player leapt into the air to head home Tom Rogic’s sublime cross.
YouTube: Ross County 1-2 Celtic | Ralston Rescues 10-man Celtic with a Dramatic Winner! | cinch Premiership
The celebrations were certainly memorable, as Ralston celebrated with the delighted Celtic support as the Hoops picked up a huge three points in the title race.
The scenario of Ralston being one of Celtic’s most important players seemed highly unlikely a year ago, but now he is one of the main men in the team, and that is all down to his great performances.
YouTube: Anthony Ralston On the Match: Ross County 1-2 Celtic
Ralston knows that he has to play well to stay in the side, as he has competition from Juranovic, and should his performance levels drop, then he will find himself out of the side.
Thankfully for Celtic, Ralston has risen to the challenge that has been thrown at him by the signing of Juarnovic. If anything his performances for the Bhoys have got even better since the Croatian international arrived at Celtic Park.
If Ralston can keep up his current level of performance, then he could be a mainstay in the Celtic side for a long time to come. That is something that few would have seen coming not that long ago, and Ralston deserves all the credit in the World for improving his game.
Ralston’s next big game for Celtic is likely to be the Premier Sports Cup Final against Hibernian, and he will be looking to turn in another all-action display, similar to his one against Ross County. If he can do that, he could end the day with a winner’s medal.
