Anthony Ralston signed a new 4 year contract yesterday and while doing so praised Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou for handing him an opportunity to impress this season.
But the Australian, humble as always, claims it was the 22-year-old’s hard work and dedication that earned him the new deal.
Speaking at today’s pre-match media conference ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Europa League tie against Fenencvaros he states that Ralston’s new contract was his reward for the form he has shown so far this year as well as his total commitment to the cause.
The Hoops boss said: “I’m delighted for him, it’s well-deserved. He loves the football club and he’s getting rewarded not just for his form, but the way he’s gone about things since the start of the year.
“In life, you get rewarded for doing things right and he’s committed totally to this football club and what we’re trying to do.
“I’m delighted for him because sometimes a football career can be a very precarious thing with a lot of uncertainty. He deserves to have some security around his life and his football career, and I’m sure there’s more to come.”
As the club travel to Budapest today one player not on the flight is Swedish international Carl Starfelt, who picked up an injury in Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Livingston at Celtic Park. Having been part of a somewhat settled defence that had only conceded one goal in the previous five games, Starfelt’s injury couldn’t have came at a worse time but Ange believes we have the depth in our squad to handle the loss.
“We are hoping Carl will be back after the international break,” he said. “He’s played every game since he got here. We were trying to build some cohesion and consistency with our back four. It’s disappointing to lose him, but we have options.
‘Stephen Welsh has been raring to go and has been unfortunate not to be able to get an opportunity to play again, because whenever he has, he has been very good. And Nir Bitton can slip back in as well.’
“It’s too early for Chris Jullien. He’s not too far away, but we have to be careful with him. He’ll be an enormous asset for us when he does come back.
“It was great to get James Forrest in over the weekend. He is going to be a very good player for us, particularly with the way we play. Mikey Johnston is building every week and Liel Abada is also in a better place now.
“It’s great to have options. We have the ability to throw guys on late in games, particularly in Europe when there’s going to be something riding on the game towards the end. To throw quality on in the front-half of the pitch is a good option to have.”
Conall McGinty
