In-form Celtic star handed international blow again

It is hard to deny the incredible form that the Celtic star has been in this season or the remarkable improvement that he has shown. But for all of his recent brilliance, it has not been enough for him to get a call up to the national team as he has been left out of the squad once again.

The player in question is Anthony Ralston, who is having a terrific season for the Hoops so far. Much to the surprise of many, he has stepped up to the plate in the right-back spot at Celtic and made the position his own.

In addition to his improvement on the defensive side of things, he has got some assists and goals to his name too and is contributing on both ends of the pitch. And his good performances have been rewarded with a contract extension at Celtic. But it has not been enough to get an international call up.

Today, the Scotland squad was announced for the two World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Denmark. And surprisingly, Ralston was not a part of it. The Scotland National Team tweeted out:

Ralston has been brilliant for Celtic but has been left out of the Scotland squad once again

Nathan Patterson of the Rangers gets the nod ahead of Ralston again, and interestingly this season he has played as many games for his club as he has caps for the Scotland national team. He is a solid young prospect but on current form, you certainly have to put the Celtic right-back ahead of him. Stephen O’Donnell has also been selected, although he has not been in great form in recent times.

It is safe to say that based on his performances this season, Ralston deserves a call up. But Steve Clarke seems to prefer sticking to his existing group of players.

It’s disappointing news for Ralston, but it does mean a rest for the player and one less worry for Ange Postecoglou about potential injuries.