I must admit I felt somewhat for Tony Ralston yesterday. As the Scotland squad was named, I had hope but no expectation Steve Clarke would reward Celtic’s most improved player this season with international recognition.
In the end it wasn’t to be on this occasion but it soon became apparent that a four-year contract with the Hoops had already been agreed and the public release of that contract being confirmed can leave everyone in no doubt, Ralston is now an established first team player under Ange Postecoglou, his Celtic career is motoring, and it is only a matter of time before Scotland caps follow.
And it was the timing that was probably the issue with Steve Clarke on this occasion. Ralston certainly shouldn’t view his omission from the Scotland squad as any kind of snub, indeed it should be remembered that bar issues around Covid and travelling Ralston would have been brought into the international fold last time out, so he is clearly in Steve Clarke’s thoughts.
Clarke however is both a manager riding a crest of a wave of improved Scotland performances and also a man acutely aware Scotland’s propensity in the past to should themselves in the foot, reload the gun and take aim at any toes the first shot missed. And that still impacts on the psyche of every Scotland fan and probably even the coach himself.
For this encounter with Moldova to win a play-off spot, Scotland fans only need short memories to think of the likes of Georgia where apparent penalty kick matches have been met as tamely as a Giorgos Giakoumakis 12-yard free hit, and as such the tried and tested when available probably makes sense to Steve Clarke rather than risking anything new being added to the mix.
Clarke has tried to foster a club mentality at international level, he has chosen in the main a young squad that can grow together and build on field relationships, caps, experience and bank that ahead of future campaigns, with a qualification for the Euros already earned and Scotland on the verge of play-offs for the World Cup, those relationships are bound to continue for the time being, after all Clarke as a manager is two things, cautious and loyal.
At present his two main choices at right wing back the role Ralston would expect to fill are taken by theRangers Nathan Patterson and Stephen O’Donnell of Motherwell. The latter of those would be the player Ralston will be looking to dislodge as Patterson has impressed, particularly when Scott McTominay has operated as Clarkes right sided central defender.
Clarke appears to be building that relationship to mirror the movement offered on the opposite side by Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson. It’s a work in progress but early signs indicate there is an understanding emerging with Patterson and McTominay. But there is clear scope for Ralston to force his way in.
Stephen O’Donnell is a dependable enough sort but his final ball and lack of pace are negatives as is his consistency at that level. It’s also fair to say playing at Motherwell with no scope for European football, limits his exposure to a more testing environment than Ralston, involved as he is regularly and developing well against top quality Europa league competition.
Meanwhile Patterson has a decision to make at club level too. Clarke will be looking for players performing regularly and consistently at club level and Patterson has his own club captain ahead of him in the Ibrox pecking order. If that issue is not resolved and if Ralston continues to impress at Celtic, Clarke may well see a lack of match sharpness and career development at theRangers blunting Patterson’s progression and that too could open the door for Ralston.
For now, Steve Clarke’s loyalties lie with those who helped get the team this far and unless injuries and suspensions open opportunities it was always unlikely there would be too much in the way of new faces added to this squad. However, as we saw with Lyndon Dykes suspension and the introduction of Stoke City’s Jacob Brown, when the need arises Clarke is willing to blood new players. At some stage that will happen for Tony Ralston, be it a lack of game time for Patterson or Ralston simply surpassing the exposure O’Donnell gets as a player and staking his claim through sheer improvement and consistent performances.
Tony Ralston may well feel disappointed at his omission from the Scotland squad this time around, but he should not be disheartened. If the current form he is showing continues the right wing back role in the Scotland squad remains one that could be up for grabs in the very near future.
Continued performances and improvements, as he’s showing in a Celtic shirt, will soon mean international breaks are a thing of the past for Ralston. In short order he’ll be a regular in the Scotland squad and will complete an incredible turnaround from discussions with Kilmarnock to be a Championship footballer this summer, to a Celtic first team pick, European football and full Scottish international honours. It may not have been this time around but it is simply a matter of time. In the meantime, a fully deserved and well-earned four-year contract at the club you support must go a long way to softening the blow of missing out.
Niall J
