Celtic star Anthony Ralston paid tribute to former Hoops teammate Ben Doak for being the catalyst in Scotland’s 1-0 victory over Croatia on Friday night…
The former Celtic prodigy gave £77 million Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol a torrid evening two days ago at the national stadium and was instrumental in setting up John McGinn’s crucial winning goal.
Doak left Celtic for Liverpool
Doak, who left the Hoops for Liverpool in March 2022 is currently on loan at English Championship side Middlesbrough. Since the disastrous European Championships in Germany where Scotland registered a solitary point, the 19 year-old has been a regular in Steve Clarke’s starting XI for these Nations League fixtures.
Ralston who heaped praise on Doak’s playmaking
It has been Doak’s dynamism and creativity that has reignited a spark back into this Scotland team. Clarke’s side picked up their first competitive win in over a year versus Croatia, and also a first victory at Hampden in 17 months.
“To come away with a result especially against a team like Croatia, we’re really happy with” 🤝
Anthony Ralston was loving the performance and win 💪 pic.twitter.com/PQOlBJqOkG
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 16, 2024
Meanwhile, Anthony Ralston who heaped praise on Doak’s playmaking, picked up an impressive 18th cap for his country, whilst also starting a ninth consecutive match for Scotland. Since the prolonged absences of English Premier League defenders Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson, Ralston has proven his doubters wrong and has become Mr Reliable at right-back for his country.
Speaking to the media in the mixed zone post-match on Friday evening, Ralston labelled Doak’s performance levels as “excellent,” also adding, “he has done excellent on the wing. I think when you play against 10 men, you just need to get your attackers on the ball as much as possible, move the ball quick and don’t dwell on it.”
“We had a few [chances before McGinn’s winner], but you just keep doing it, keep getting the ball wide and get [Doak] one-on-one. Then, thankfully, we got the goal.”
“We’ve played better in other games, especially first half. I’d much rather not play better and get the three points than play well and not get the three points”
Scotland have now given themselves the opportunity of finishing 2nd in their Nations League A group which would not only secure quarter-final status in the competition but it would mean Steve Clarke’s men would be pot 1 for World Cup qualifying. The stakes for tomorrow night’s clash with Poland in Warsaw could not be any higher.
Conor Spence
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