Anthony Ralston

We all used to say "can do better" but don't think we can do better for a backup. He's great. Iv never any worries if he's to step in any game.

 

Number of headers he won yesterday was noticeable too. Deserved more game time this season.

Will be interesting to see how he gets on if he goes to Germany.

 

If anything it's AJ who needs 'upgrading' on as AJ wouldn't want to be a back up RB. Ralston is solid and can always be relied upon. I'd be getting rid of AJ before Ralston.

 

See although AJ hasn’t been at his best all season, he is another when you look at teams scouting by data, that will stand out his ball progression stats are very impressive. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was interest from maybe the likes of Bundesliga in him.

l hope if he is here, Johnston can get a full preseason and be more like his first 6 months consistently. He had a tough start to the season being injured at the end of last year, then got injured on international duty, missed preseason too.

 

It's realy weird because IMHO he's the complete inverse of his reputation. There's a kind of view that he has the physicality but lacks footballing ability. To me, it's the exact opposite. He's a fairly tidy player with an incredible ability to read the game (both defensively in his positioning and offensively with his well-timed runs and his forward passing and crossing) and it's precisely the physical attributes he lacks, especially pace (he's even slower than he looks, because his excellent positioning hides the extent of the problem); but he's not especially tall or strong either. If you put his brain in AJ's body, the resulting player would be off to the EPL this summer for a similar fee to Tierney.

I genuinely see him as a future manager.

 

100% - I didn't mean I want him out the door but between the two I would rather AJ went before Ralston. If AJ would be happy to be a back up RB then happy days but I don't think he would. Ralston also fills the quota.

RB certainly not an area that should be at the top of our scouting list at the moment

 

Successful squads are built on having enough players like Ralston in them. Never let's the team down, always ready to go when called upon, and never kicks off about not getting enough gametime. He understands his role and his importance.

It feels like Scales and Taylor could end up playing similar roles if it is something that want. It's probably quite difficult for clubs to find good quality back ups who are content to be back ups so when we have them we need to keep them.

 

Will be going to the Euro, maybe even as a starter.

 

I like AR, and he is ideal for a back up RB-low dollar, home grown and is happy to be a back up.
And totally gets the whole Celtic gig.
Realistically, he should be our back up RB next season, as there will (hopefully) be quiet a few changes in personnel come the new season, especially in defense.

 

Both confirmed as out today by Clarkes assistant.

 

I think Taylor is a harder player to replace than people realise, his ability to link play and create from deep has been key in a lot of games.

That said it would be nice to have a left back with pace and power again.

 

really hope so

 

Hickey will be a big miss. Ralston offers a more in an attacking sense id say though. Patterson has been been pretty * for Scotland and only 2nd choice as he’s playing in English Premiership. Ralston in his few caps has never let us down.

 

He'll definitely get game time, wonder what he'd be like as a RWB..

Delighted for him..

 

Having been at the Northern Ireland game Patterson not making it is a blessing.

Will be interesting to see if it's him or McCrorie who are first choice.

 

Ralston had been in and around squad for past 2 years whereas Mccrorie has only been called up bcoz of injuries.

Clarke is pretty loyal to his players so I think Ralston will be 1st choice at the moment.

Good chance for him to stake a claim for next season. Never got much of a look in this season but he always give 100% when he plays and can offer decent threat going forward.

 

Excellent tonight for Scotland.

Suits RWB position - still remember his performance against Airdrie in the cup last time Rodgers was here in a similar setup. Tore that side up.

 

Thought he was good tonight.

 

Aye, think playing as WB suits him..

He's got an excellent delivery and is positionally astute, was a good out ball constantly last night..

Also, he has the cover of the RCB..

Looking forward to seeing him.