Frank McAvennie has been in the news again spouting drivel about Celtic players for attention. The former Hoops hero has become a bit of a pain in the neck lately, criticising Celtic and the playing staff on the regular. It feels as if he’s somewhat taken over the role of Charlie Nicholas since he has calmed down on the negative diatribe’s he usually sends our way.
McAvennie’s latest pot-shot is ludicrous to say the least. This time he has decided to attack Celtic’s most improved player this season under Ange Postecoglou, Anthony Ralston. The full-back has improved dramatically since last year and has proved his worthiness to wear the beloved hooped shirt.
Ralston has worked tirelessly to get to where he is and his commitment to the cause should never be underestimated. Always willing to put in the graft, with a never-say-die attitude, coupled with an all-round improvement of his game, the Scotland international can be proud of his achievements.
15th December 2021; Victoria Park, Dingwall, Scotland, Scottish Premier league football, Ross County versus Celtic; Anthony Ralston of Celtic celebrates after he heads the winner for Celtic in the 97th minute making it 2-1
McAvennie however, has slaughtered the young defender in a pathetic piece that defies logic. Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-striker said: “I was at the St Mirren game and I thought ‘dear me he’s gone backwards’. Oh my God, he was hopeless. He looked bit-part. Honestly, he was playing like he had just come off a building site.He was just crashing around into people. That’s the player I was always convinced wouldn’t make it.
“He looked great earlier this season, that’s why he got the Scotland callup. But he hasn’t looked the same and I was so disappointed with him against St Mirren. I was disappointed with everyone if I’m honest but Ralston was really poor.”
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 27: Anthony Ralston of Celtic looks on prior the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian FC and Celtic FC at on October 27, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Astounding stuff coming from the mouth of McAvennie. How he can possibly single out Ralston for his part in an insipid display against that St Mirren team last week is nonsense. The whole team were flat on that occasion and it wasn’t just Anthony who had a very average showing. If Frank would have actually paid attention to the game that night, Anthony actually put a cracking ball across the face of the goal during the match that was begging for someone in the box to fling themselves at but nobody complied.
Ralston has been the most improved Celtic player this season under Ange Postecoglou without a shadow of a doubt. What McAvennie is peddling is Grade A garbage. I’m sure the Scotland international won’t lose sleep over the opinion of someone is struggling to stay relevant in the football world.
Paul Gillespie
