Celtic star Anthony Ralston has stated that he is ‘proud’ of his career revival in the Green and White Hoops this season, as he insisted that it is only the beginning.
It has been a brilliant few months for the Lennoxtown academy graduate who has become a key part of Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side and signed a new long-term deal for the club.
The full-back has undoubtedly put in the work to earn that spot and new contract, with his meteoric rise from the summer to this point.
Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Ralston opened up in the rollercoaster six months that saw him become a first-team regular, as he credited family as his primary motivation to put the hard work in to get where he is now.
“I’ve got a huge family support behind me. From when I was a kid, there’s been ups and downs. But every step of the way, from a young age, they’ve always been there to support me.
“They’ve been the ones who always believed in me – even when others didn’t. So I owe them a massive thanks for supporting me through the good and hard times.
“I became a father when things weren’t going well with my football. But that motivated me to give my daughter the best life possible.
“When things weren’t going well, that really pushed me to come in every day and work hard. I knew if my chance came, I had to take it for her.”
He continued, saying: “To come where I was at the beginning of the season to where I am now, it’s been a massive turnaround. I’m proud of myself for what I’ve managed to achieve.
“But it’s only the beginning for me. It’s no secret that I want to play for Celtic. I want to have my career here.
“I want to keep going in this direction, but I’m delighted by how the seasons gone so far for myself – because I feel I’ve contributed to the team in such a positive way.
“I hope I can continue to do that in the second half of the season.”
It has been brilliant to see the progress of Ralston under Postecoglou in the first half of the season.
Like any player who comes through the academy, you desperately want to see them succeed in the first team. Ralston never gave up on that dream and is now reaping the rewards of that with the squad this season.
At the age of 22, it is exciting to see where Ralston could reach with this group of players and Ange Postecoglou. He can certainly be proud of his progress and performances in the side this season.
well done the lad…..proves the academy coaches doing their job….always great to see them coming through….happy new year anthony ralston