“This is where I want to play my football,” Ralston says as he inks a new four-year contract.
Anthony Ralston today became the last Celtic first team member to commit his future to the club by signing a new contract extension that will keep the right back at the club until the summer of 2027.
Ralston is a Celtic Academy graduate and has come through the ranks to reach the first team under Ronny Deila and then Brendan Rodgers the first time around. Now with Rodgers back in charge at the club, the manager has been happy to sanction a new deal for the player who remains very much part of his first team plans.
Anthony Ralston is a Celtic fan living his dream. When he’s in the starting lineup, he’ll always give his all, and when he’s on the bench, he’ll never whine and will always be ready to contribute when called upon. Ralston has recently had to compete with Josip Juranovic and, more recently, Alistair Johnston – both stars from last winter’s World Cup in Qatar, where the Croatian right back was named to the Tournament Team, demonstrating the level of competition that Ralston has faced for a game for Celtic under either Ange Postecoglou or Brendan Rodgers.
With the frequency of injuries that are occurring these days, it is critical that Celtic have quality, reliable players like Ralston who can step in and do a job when needed. And, with the growth in the number of substitutes these days, more game time is attainable for players who aren’t often considered first round picks.
Tony Ralston certainly fits into that group, and the Celtic fans value what he has to provide when called upon. “I’m absolutely delighted,” he told Celtic TV, “it’s a great feeling to sign with your Bhoyhood club on a new contract.” That sense of being able to put pen to paper and guarantee your future where you want to be never gets old.
