Anthony Ralston has become victim of 'dysfunctional' Celtic setup
Anthony Ralston does not deserve to be continually forced onto the fringes of the Celtic squad.
That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who is "very surprised" by the lack of football the right-back has received of late.
The 27-year-old made 35 appearances for the Bhoys in all competitions last term, but has been limited to just three cameo appearances in European action so far in 2026-27.
Wyness believes that Ralston still has plenty to give and is being unfairly treated by Celtic at the moment.
The veteran is out of contract with the Glasgow giants next summer, and is seemingly heading towards the end of his time with the club.
However, Wyness is still adamant that he will be "disappointed" to have not been involved more so far this season.
Celtic likely not holding their word with Antony Ralston
Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Celtic are unlikely to have promised Ralston this level of game time.
The Scottish businessman feels that Martin O'Neill and the club hierarchy may not have told Ralston that his involvements would be so few and far between in the summer.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why the current situation will be frustrating for the defender.
"Yes, 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," he said.
"But it's another core example of how the board treat the people they love the most. And I mean, the fans as well as the players. 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 disappointed not getting to play in that squad. It's not as though the whole squad's performing gangbusters."
Celtic set sights on 'outstanding' Everton man
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Celtic have Everton manager David Moyes firmly on their radar to potentially replace O'Neill next summer.
The Bhoys are understood to be attracted by the veteran Scot's "outstanding managerial CV", and know that they are likely to need a new face in the dugout next summer.
O'Neill's contract is due to expire at the end of the campaign, and while he has the option to extend for a further year, that is a distant possibility at the moment.
The 74-year-old has been under pressure of late, with his team facing a difficult spell on the pitch.