Anthony Ralston played his part for Scotland last night in the goalless draw with Portugal at Hampden, not that he’ll get any credit…
No longer a fish out of water
Tony Ralston looked like a fish out of water on the international front at Euro 2024 and got it in the neck from all quarters. However the last few games he has come on leaps and bounds as he gets used to Steve Clarke’s system and tactical approach.
Tony is essentially a back up squad player for both Celtic and Scotland, and it’s no secret that he’s only in the Scotland starting XI because of injuries to key players, but as he does at Celtic, he always does a job when called upon and never gives anything less than 100%.
Improved under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers
Admittedly he is a player who has his critics, even at club level, but thankfully those critics have backed off in the last few years as he’s developed into a better all round player under both Ange Postecoglou and more recently Brendan Rodgers, who actually gave Ralston a run of games at the end of his first spell at Celtic.
Criticism he receives isn’t justified
However Ralston seems to be a target of a certain element at international level and some of the criticism he receives isn’t justified, it’s probably more to do with the team that he supports and plays for.
Tony has grown in confidence in the last couple of games for Scotland and like the rest of the team last night, particularly the defence, he more than played his part.
It’s just a shame that he doesn’t receive the credit he deserves from the usual suspects.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Cristiano Ronaldo clearly in awe of Tony Ralston at full-time & signals there’s no way of getting past ‘the brickie’ pic.twitter.com/Gt64mSLlaX
— Euan Booth Robertson (@EuanBRobertson) October 15, 2024
Tony Ralston helped Scotland to a shut out in the 0-0 draw against Portugal 🏴
— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) October 15, 2024
