Steve Clarke explains mystery around Celtic star’s absence

Anthony Ralston has been an absolute revelation for Celtic ever since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager in the summer. At the start of the campaign, not even the most optimistic fan would have expected the Scottish right-back to nail down a spot in the starting XI. But that is exactly what has happened.

Not too long ago, it was believed that Ralston was on his way out of the club. But he has shown tremendous improvement in multiple departments and is one of the regulars in Postecoglou’s side right now despite the arrival of Josip Juranovic, with the Croatian international right-back now playing at left-back for the Hoops.

He has impressed going forward as well. According to stats from Transfermarkt, Ralston has scored 4 goals and provided 4 assists this season. And his performances have been rewarded by Celtic with a new long-term contract.

Thus, his absence from the Scotland national team squad despite his brilliant form has been a mystery to many. Steve Clarke has shed some light on the situation though and it turns out he did try to call the right-back up in the past. As reported by the Daily Record, the manager said:

"“Any time I’ve seen him for Celtic this season he’s been really impressive.“I did try to call him up to one of the previous squads but unfortunately a Covid issue put paid to that.“It’s nice to have him here now.”"

The Celtic star has been called up to the Scotland squad recently

Ralston has been called up to the Scotland national team squad as cover for Nathan Patterson for the game against Denmark.

Now, it remains to be seen if the Celtic star can take his opportunity and make his mark. He has definitely taken the chances that he has been given by Postecoglou this season.

At the start of the campaign, Celtic did not have any other recognised right-back in their squad other than Ralston which is a massive reason why he got a run of games in the first-team. And it is safe to say that he took them with both hands and made enough of an impression on the manager that he is still a regular in the first-team.