Scotland boss names two Celts in World Cup Squad but there’s still no place for Ralston

Steve Clarke has named our captain Callum McGregor and his midfield teammate David Turnbull in the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Israel ant Hampden a week on Saturday plus the away game against the Faroe Islands four days later.

James Forrest and Greg Taylor miss out due to their respective injuries and there is still no place for the ‘best right back in Scotland’ Anthony Ralston.

Anthony Ralston heads the ball past Juanmi during the Europa League Group G soccer match between Real Betis and Celtic at Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, Photo. AP Photo/Miguel Morenatti 

Former Celts in the squad are Craig Gordon, Jack Hendry, Kieran Tierney, Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Christie.

The Scotland manager is gambling that McGregor will have recovered in time to feature in these games, with perhaps more likely to play in the tougher home game against Israel.

Whether Ange Postecoglou, who knows all about managing at international level, is going to play ball with Clarke on the availability of the Celtic captain remains to be seen. If McGregor isn’t fit enough to feature against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League or Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday then it would seem unlikely, to say the least, that McGregor will make the Scotland squad for these two must win World Cup qualifiers as Scotland chase the play-off spot behind runaway group leaders Denmark.

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

1 Comment

  1. what eedjit wrote this tripe, Ralston is a total nightmare why would he be picked. you need to visit a head doctor