Anthony Ralston signs deal with Celtic

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Anthony Ralston of Celtic vies with Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League Group B match Between Celtic and Paris Saint-Germain at Celtic Park on September 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Anthony Ralston of Celtic vies with Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League Group B match Between Celtic and Paris Saint-Germain at Celtic Park on September 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Celtic continue to take the initiative to make their defense that much better and more importantly, younger.

Step one of the process took place just a few days ago as Anthony Ralston signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Bhoys.

The Hoops have delivered an array of homegrown talent. Ralston is a product of the Celtic Academy and has made appearances with the big squad this season. Earlier this season, Ralston had a laugh to give to Neymar after the superstar refused to shake his hand.

To go along with the confidence of the 22-year-old is his skill. Aside from his superb defensive capabilities, Ralston has some serious skill on the ball that should be expected of a usual right-back.

He scored 1 goal in the Scottish League Cup against Kilmarnock back in August, and has also provided incredible solo goals such as this:

Along with developing with the Celts’ U-20 side, Ralston spent some time with the Queens Park Rangers back in 2015. Unfortunately, the then EPL side finished 20th in the league and was relegated to the Championship.

However, it just goes to show that Ralston has the potential to do it all at his age. Celtic need to provide young talent alongside Kieran Tierney, and some believe Ralston can fill that void sooner rather than later.

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Ralston shared his thoughts to Celtic’s website, as noted by Vital Football.

"“This is where I want to be and I want to start playing more games,” he told Celtic’s official website. “I’ve enjoyed getting a taste of it and I’m looking forward to the future.“It’s been a good start for me in my career and signing the contract now, I’m just looking forward to getting on with my football over the next few years.”"

Ralston could be expecting regular minutes very soon. Several defenders including Erik Sviatchenko and Mikael Lustig have been consistently rumored to be out in January, therefore creating an opening for Ralston.

In no way shape or form should the Hoops rush the development of Ralston. However, it would be nice to see him start so he can learn the craft from Brendan Rodgers and transition into an incredible defender for Celtic in the next few years.

Next: Goal-Line Technology in the Scottish Premiership?

Excited for Ralston’s new deal? Where do you see him in the next few years within the Celtic lineup? Let us know in the comments section.