Anthony Ralston is finished at Celtic after latest Martin O’Neill snub
Martin O'Neill's decision to exclude Anthony Ralston from Celtic's latest matchday squad surely proves that his career at the club is over.
The dazzling performance came out of nowhere against last season's surprise package, after failing to score more than twice in any of their previous seven games.
Colby Donovan shone once more at right-back, with O'Neill continuing to place his faith in the youngster in Alistair Johnston's absence.
Fellow right-back Ralston failed to even make the matchday squad against the Jambos as Chelsea loanee Landon Emenalo was included for the first time this season.
The 27-year-old Scotland international is surely on his way out of Parkhead as he approaches the end of his contract next May.
Anthony Ralston's latest snub says it all about his Celtic career
Sunday's clash against Hearts was viewed as a huge game in the context of the title battle for Celtic, as well as for O'Neill's future as their manager.
It came as little surprise to see Donovan stay in the team after some strong recent form, and he predictably impressed in the win with the most defensive contributions (14) of any player on the pitch and 10 duels won.
Ralston, meanwhile, was left to watch on from home as O'Neill drafted young left-back Emenalo onto the bench in his place for the first time since he joined Celtic in the summer.
Johnston is expected to be back fit to challenge Donovan for his place before the end of the month, while Ralston is clearly well out of favour and looks unlikely to add to his three substitute appearances so far in this campaign anytime soon.
O'Neill's latest snub shows that he is at the bottom of the right-back pecking order, and should start thinking about his next move before his contract expires at the end of this season.
Ralston set to be fuming with O'Neill and Hoops chiefs amid ongoing absence
Ralston's last outing saw him chucked on in the final stages of Celtic's 3-1 Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros on 17 September.
Former Aberdeen CEO, Keith Wyness, has exclusively told Football Insider that Ralston will be kicking up a fuss behind the scenes at his lack of recent game time.
He said: "I'm very surprised. I doubt Celtic said, well, you're not going to be playing, you're going to be here just for depth, but it's another core example of how the board treat the people they love the most. It's a very dysfunctional club at the moment.
"Ralston's a perfect example of that. And I feel sorry for him. He's in his prime chance to get one last contract, and he's hardly had a minute this season. He's a good player, and it just seems strange. He must be upset at not getting to play in that squad."
It certainly seems like the 27-year-old will need to leave Parkhead to get guaranteed minutes at a key stage of his career anytime soon.