Anthony Ralston made his first Scotland start on Wednesday evening against Armenia in the Nations League. The Celtic star didn’t waste much time settling in for his Scotland — scoring a goal in his debut — helping his country to a 2-0 victory.

The Celtic defender was staring at a Celtic exit last summer. The club could’ve had sent Ralston on his way. Simply because Celtic were short on numbers and had no other right back at the time — the club triggered a one-year extension despite Anthony’s lack of game time.

The defender took the opportunity with both hands — playing his way into being a top player for Ange Postecoglou’s title winning side.

Ralston has proved a lot of people wrong and is continuing to do so.

Soccer Football – UEFA Nations League – Group E – Scotland v Armenia – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – June 8, 2022 Scotland’s Anthony Ralston celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Molly Darlington

After the game on Wednesday — Anthony was a bit emotional.

“My daughter wasn’t at the game, but it’s something that I’ll be able to show her in the years to come.” Ralston told SunSport.

“She’ll be able to see her dad scoring for her country, which is quite special.

“It’s for a sure a nice moment to look forward to. It’s a proud moment.

“It’s something that will live me forever and it’s not something I really expected, to be quite honest. But it’s something I’ve enjoyed every minute and I hope there will be more to come.

“There’s been a lot tonight and I’m trying to take it all in.

“I’m sure it will settle in eventually.

“But it’s a proud moment for myself, representing my country tonight.

“The gaffer let me know I was starting during one of the training sessions and I was able to get my head right and be ready to go into the game.”

On his rise at Celtic and the uncertainty of last summer — the Scotland international said:

“I wasn’t involved at Celtic, it’s no secret it was a hard time for me.

“But I kept myself right, I kept training hard, I kept believing.

“I’m happy I’ve done that, I gave myself the best chance and that’s all I could do. I was in a situation where I didn’t know what was happening.

“My contract was coming to an end.

“But I just kept believing in myself. I kept on working hard and I managed to get myself back in and just take my opportunities when I got them.”

Anthony will head back to Celtic at the end of the month and hope to be part of a side that retains the SPFL title. After his heroics last season he signed a four-year deal with the club.

With Champions League football and more UEFA Nation League football to come — it’s an exciting time for the Celtic star.

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