After Ange Postecoglou’s side secured a 4-1 League cup win against Ross County, Celtic full-back Anthony Ralston outlined his thoughts on the team’s performance in Dingwall. Ralston returned to his usual attack-minded full-back play, grabbing himself an assist in Dingwall.
With nine changes to the Celtic starting line-up that battered Dundee United a few days before at Tannadice, the Scotland right-back was impressed by the players who stepped up and maintained the standards that are being set on a match-by-match basis by this Celtic squad.
“I thought all the boys were excellent,” Ralston said after the match. “There were a lot of changes in the team, but the message is that we all know as a squad what’s required, that we’re going to use the squad this season. So it was important that the boys who came in did their job, and that’s what they did, so you know, I’m happy”.
It’s clear from listening to Ralston that the message from the manager that utilising the squad is the key to success for Celtic has as much impact on the players who haven’t had too much game-time this season as the Celtic manager opted for mostly the same group of players during that start to the season where he only had one team sheet a week to select. That leisurely start to the season is now gone, to be replaced by an intense period of football involving cinch Premiership, Champions League and League Cup ties ahead of the break for the World Cup.
“It’s important everyone knows their role when they come into the team,” Ralston noted. “Credit to the boys who came in tonight, who put the effort in, in the training every day, so they are ready for their opportunity to take it for the team, and advance like we did today in the cup.
“Also, you know in the league and different other things. It’s important that we maintain that standard as a squad, moving forward, so when you do get that opportunity you are ready to take it”
When asked whether the players are enjoying themselves, Ralston gave an emphatic response. “They’re loving it, we had a really good season last season as a squad, adapting in the way the manager wants us to play.
“Even today, seeing the boys on the weekend, how good they were, even the boys who came into the team today were able to maintain that standard. That’s what you’re looking for when you’re playing for a club like this.”
And of course, Ralston explained his fondness for playing for Celtic in Dingwall. “I’ve got great memories up here. It’s a long trip for the fans to make, especially mid-week with their work commitments and everything like this, so credit to them for turning out.
“So, it’s up to us to perform and sent them down the road happy, and I’m happy I can contribute to that on a good team performance tonight”
Overall, Anthony Ralston was very pleased with the Celtic performance in Dingwall and he clearly believes that the squad is united and everyone is aware of their role as they come into each game. After Ross County, Ralston looks forward to upcoming fixtures, starting of course with theRangers at Celtic Park tomorrow lunchtime.
“It’s another game on Saturday and I’m looking forward to that, and we have the Champions League starting next week as well. It’s an exciting time for us as a club and as players and we’re all looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
