The Celtic Academy is this morning being deservedly praised for it’s early contribution to the Ange Postecoglou era at Celtic with first team mainstays Callum McGregor and James Forrest now being joined by the likes of Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh and Adam Montgomery.
You can also add the contribution made so far this season by Dane Murray and the expected impression that a fully fit Mikey Johnston is going to deliver (noticing that he has been included in the Celtic squad for the game against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League Play-off – a suggestion that his injury sustained in that costly pre-season friendly against Bristol City isn’t as serious as first though. Celtic also lost Karamoko Dembele that night to an outrageous challenge from an experienced player on a young boy in a friendly match.
Stevie Frail worked with many of these players who are now making an impact on Ange Postecoglou – with Callum McGregor already proving to be a huge success in his new role as Celtic captain – the the former Academy coach is thrilled at the progress of the Bhoys who have developed from Academy to Celtic First Team players.
And in his newspaper article he started by heaping praise onto right back Anthony Ralston who has re-paid the fifth shown in him by The Australian manager and at the same time proved his critics in the Celtic support wrong.
I remember writing an article on here last December suggesting Ralston as a viable option for right back, given the situation we were in at the time, and getting absolute pelters for it! So like Stevie Friel, I’ve been able to enjoy the performances of Ralston without the embarrassment felt by some who totally ridiculed a competent player who always gives 100% for the jersey. And yes, I know he’s not Danny McGrain…
“Anthony has been at the club a few years now and Brendan Rodgers, of course, played him against PSG and the likes of Neymar. I always think he’s acquitted himself well,” former Celtic development coach Stevie Frail told Scottish Sun. “Yet, at the start of the season I don’t think the fans were too inspired by who the first choice full-backs were going to be.
“But Anthony has done fantastically well. He’s a regular in the team and is even chipping in with goals. From what I can see he’s totally bought into what Ange Postecoglou is trying to do with the team. I think Anthony has shown a lot of character.
“It wasn’t that long ago he looked totally out of the first-team picture. He’s come through the ranks and I was fortunate to work with him briefly. I’m delighted for him now because he’s a real good boy, always respectful. Like they all were.
“Now the feelings of a lot of fans will have changed. Anthony has been one of the best players this season. He will have been aware of what supporters were thinking. But he’s not allowed it to affect him. He’s responded brilliantly.
“Clearly, the transitional situation at Celtic has allowed for boys like him to get a chance. But you still have to take it and he definitely has. And even if Celtic, as seems likely, buy another right-back then I hope it can encourage Anthony to keep on improving.
“I didn’t coach Stephen Welsh at Celtic but I did once get the opportunity, courtesy of Ricky Sbragia, to work with him for Scotland Under-16s and I was really impressed. Stephen looks to be growing in stature with every game.
“When you consider also how well Dane (Murray) and Adam (Montgomery) have done this season then it’s great credit to Celtic’s Academy — but to the manager and John Kennedy, too, for how they’re backing them.
“Michael Johnston has been so unlucky with injuries, but he’s a great talent and I hope things change for him soon.
“James (Forrest) and Callum (McGregor) have been Celtic mainstays for so long now — proper inspirational figures for the Celtic Academy. Between them, they’ve played hundreds of games and won so many trophies, while also playing in the Champions League and for Scotland.
“It was an absolute pleasure to play a small part in their development through to the first team. Celtic had four home-grown players in the starting line-up for the win over Hearts and that’s first class. Hopefully others can make the breakthrough,” Frail added.
It is worth noting that the profits from Celtic Pools are channeled directly into the Celtic Academy, proving these fist team players for Celtic now and in the future….
