Celtic almost booked their place in the Europa League group stages on Wednesday night with a brilliant 2-0 win over AZ Alkmaar. There were some notable performances from Kyogo Furuhashi, Joe Hart – but John Hartson was thrilled by Anthony Ralston’s “excellent” outing at right-back.
Having already been knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers with two struggling performances against FC Midtjylland, Celtic needed to beat AZ Alkmaar. A side that boasts talented players including skipper Teun Koopmeiners. But Celtic were brilliant, fluent, and pungent in attack.
Kyogo got his sixth goal in six games, before setting up James Forrest who scored via a deflection. Hart made a couple of notable saves, one with his feet, while Ralston made some stunning blocks from right-back. During commentary on Celtic TV, Hartson thinks Ralston is like “a new signing”.
With the defender taking the ball into the corner, up against two AZ players deep into injury time, Celtic were looking to kill the game. But Ralston looked to go past both – winning a corner. Hartson sad: “Brilliant from Ralston. He’s like a new player so far, he has been excellent all season.”
Hartson on Ralston: Could he be the right-back signing Celtic need?
While Ralston is shocking all Celtic fans with his sensational performances on the right of the defence – the Celtic board are close to a right-back signing. Josip Juranovic is said to be close to joining the Hoops. But is it harsh on Ralston, and does he deserve to keep his place?
Indeed, can Ralston be the new signing Celtic are trying to bring in – and simultaneously save the Hoops some cash? Well, Celtic need a right-back even with Ralston shining as they lack cover. So, while Ralston might eventually lose his place, he has certainly saved his Celtic career.
