Keith Wyness suggests how many Celtic stars will stay as 27-year-old set for extension

Celtic are right to offer a new contract to right-back Anthony Ralston, despite criticism towards him from some supporters last season. 

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Scotland international is not “the issue” in the squad at the moment.

This comes after the news that Martin O’Neill is lining up an extension for the 27-year-old, who is now into the final year of his current deal at Parkhead. 

Wyness believes that Ralston still has what it takes to be an effective performer for the Bhoys, and believes that fans’ expectations of a full-scale overhaul of the squad are wide of the mark. 

Celtic endured a difficult campaign last time out, and although it eventually returned a league and cup double, there were significant tensions between the supporters and the board throughout. 

Wyness believes that the club hierarchy now need to show their ambition with their summer transfer business, but stressed that not every player can be replaced. 

Celtic to retain ‘70%’ of 2025-26 squad

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 should be looking to retain “at least 70 per cent” of last season’s squad. 

The Scottish businessman noted that the board must put the fans’ frustrations to one side when it comes to players like Ralston, who he feels can still perform for the team. 

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he emphasised that he doesn’t agree with the notion that the defender is no longer good enough for his boyhood club. 

“No, I don't really see it that way. I know there's been some ups and downs from fans about Ralston, and I watched a lot of his performances, and I understand that, but he's still got the basic skills,” Wyness said.

“To me though, he is not the issue in the squad. There are other areas that they should be more focused on, and it really is more about bringing in some new talent. That's what the fans should be focused on.

“There's got to be some sort of squad stability, and I think Ralston is perfectly capable of being one of those that can stay and still add next season, and it's more about the ambition of who they're going to bring in.

“It's not a question of having to replace every single player if you've got moans and groans about them; you've got to have at least 70 per cent of your squad staying at the very least. So, no, I don't see a problem with Ralston staying.

“It's going to be more about, once again, the ambition of the Celtic board. It's going to be pretty crucial that they bring in some fresh blood and some exciting players.”

Celtic racing Rangers for Michael Parker

Football Insider revealed at the end of June that Celtic and Rangers are both chasing a move to sign former West Brom defender Michael Parker this summer. 

The Old Firm duo are set to battle it out for the 21-year-old this summer, who has shone during a stint at Swedish side Orgryte IS. 

Anderlecht and Italian outfit Udinese are also interested in a move for Parker, who is primarily a centre-back but can also play at left-back. 

Celtic are firmly in the race to sign the young defender this summer, as they line up a move to try and bring him back to the UK.