Celtic player makes superb claim after facing Rafael Leao

There is nothing like watching Celtic in action. Of course, everybody likes major international tournaments but regular international breaks often get boring for club supporters. Thankfully, the Hoops will be back this weekend, to take on Hearts. Then they will kick off their Champions League campaign in midweek.

International breaks might be boring to club football fans but they can be a good learning experience for players who get to represent their national teams. And one Celtic player might have benefited from the past week's games.

Anthony Ralston was involved for Scotland against both Poland and Portugal. And he can hold his head high for the performance he put when up against Rafael Leao.

Leao is one of the best wingers in the world right now. But Ralston more than held his own up against the AC Milan superstar. The game was pretty tight as well but ultimately, Portugal managed to get a 2-1 win over Scotland.

Celtic player make superb claim after facing Rafael Leao

Ralston seems to have enjoyed his experience, facing Leao. And it could benefit him not just in future games for the Scotland national team but for Celtic as well. As reported by The National, he said:

"He’s a good player and I’ll learn from games like that, coming up against those types of opponents.

“I relish it and take it head on. This is the level I want to play my football at.

“From a personal point of view, I respect that he’s a quality player. But on the pitch, I’ve got a job to do against a winger, one v one and I felt I did fine.

“I’ll take confidence from that and use it going forward in my career. Games like that, against that quality, can only help me for Celtic and Scotland in the future.

“It’s great experience for me to play against a player like Leao. I need to learn from it and use it both at Celtic and when I’m called upon for Scotland."

Of course, Ralston is not a regular starter for Celtic at the moment. He is the cover option for Alistair Johnston at right-back but can fill in at left-back as well if the situation calls for it.

Johnston did pick up a knock during the recent international break while representing Canada. A worry for Celtic for sure. But that could mean that Ralston could get a few starts over the upcoming games for the Hoops and he has proven that he is more than good enough to hold his own, even against tough opposition in the Champions League.