Anthony Ralston is surely finished at Celtic as transfer set to go through imminently
Anthony Ralston could be about to leave Celtic after a decade as part of the first-team squad at Parkhead.
The right-back has been a reliable performer for the Bhoys since he made his first-team debut for his boyhood club in a Premiership clash with St Johnstone back in 2016, but his performances have come under scrutiny of late.
Celtic fans were seething with Ralston for his role in their recent Old Firm Derby defeat to Rangers, and their frustration towards the defender was a consistent feature throughout Wilfried Nancy’s reign.
Martin O’Neill is now back in charge and ready to oversee the January window, but that looks set to spell the end for Ralston in the coming weeks.
Niko Sigur transfer to prompt Anthony Ralston snub
Chris Sutton has also slaughtered Ralston in recent weeks, as the Scotland international found it difficult to adapt to life on the right side of a back three under Nancy.
The 27-year-old is very much a traditional right-back, and O’Neill’s return is highly likely to result in the Bhoys operating with a player in that position once again.
However, given the way the January window has begun at Celtic, it will not be Ralston who occupies that position in the second half of the campaign.
Julian Araujo has already arrived from Bournemouth on a loan deal until next summer, and the signing of Niko Sigur also seems destined to go through in the coming days.
Celtic have already “won the race” for the Canada international, according to journalist Izak Ante Sucic, with the deal set to go through imminently.
The Hajduk Split star is a versatile option, but he has predominantly operated at right-back for both club and country this season, which certainly puts the writing on the wall for Ralston.
With two new arrivals set to join the group in his position, it would be no surprise to see him forced to the fringes of the squad, something that he would have no argument against after his recent displays.
Ralston to push for Celtic exit to preserve World Cup hopes
Sigur’s imminent arrival at Celtic shows their intent to replace Ralston long-term, given that it would mean both of their first two signings were right-backs.
As a result, the Scotland international will surely read between the lines and acknowledge that his time is up at Parkhead.
The defender has been part of Steve Clarke’s plans with the national team in recent months, but with a landmark World Cup on the horizon for Scotland in the summer, the last thing he will want is to miss out on the squad.
With that in mind, Ralston will need regular gametime to ensure he convinces Clarke that he is worthy of a place on the plane, and it is unlikely to come at Celtic any more.
It would be no surprise to see him push for a move away this month, as even a loan spell could bring huge benefits to his international chances.