Last season, it would have been a fair assumption to suggest that Anthony Ralston would leave Celtic this summer on a permanent basis. But five games in, and Ralston has played every minute under Ange Postecoglou. Another goal against Dundee – and Celtic fans are raving about Ralston.
Of course, 22-year-old Ralston’s Celtic career has been given a kickstart by the lack of options at right-back. Jeremie Frimpong left the club in January and was replaced by Jonjoe Kenny, but the Everton man failed to do enough to earn a permanent stay. Hatem Abd Elhamed has also left the club.
While Celtic have strengthened in goal, at centre-back, in central midfield, out wide and up top – a new right-back is yet to be bought. Ralston remains the club’s only right-back option. But he is certainly taking his opportunity with some brilliant performances this season, under Postecoglou.
What are Celtic fans saying about Ralston, after Dundee win?
Probably one of only a handful of players to earn pass marks from the two legs against Midtjylland, Ralston has two goals in two league games. A gorgeous goal against Hearts was followed up by an even better one against Dundee on Sunday. That is four goals and two assists in his 25 Celtic games.
Now, Aurelio Buta continues to be linked with Celtic for a fee just under £3million. Argentina international Fabricio Bustos is also an option, amid reports. But is Ralston doing enough to show Celtic fans and Postecoglou he deserves a long-term chance? Many Celtic fans think so, after Sunday.