Scotland’s Euro 2024 adventure ended in bitter disappointment after a 1-0 defeat to Hungary at the end of June.
It was a painstaking finish to a group-stage campaign which showed few positive signs.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor started every game in Germany for Steve Clarke’s side, along with his Hoops teammate Anthony Ralston.
The right-back, however, made a costly error which led to a goal in Scotland’s second game of Group A against Switzerland. His misplaced backpass was intercepted by the alert Xerdan Shaqiri who was lethal from just outside the box.
It could have been easy for the 25-year-old to fold following such a moment, but Ralston held his own. He took the mistake in his stride and gave his all for his country.
His club manager Brendan Rodgers was watching on and brilliantly intervened after the error.
“I spoke to Tony when he was out there, so I had a good conversation with him”, he said (Celtic FC on YouTube).
“I think he came out of it with a lot of credit – the tournament. Playing in a system that he’s not used to playing in and how he adapted and how he came through the pass – it didn’t surprise me.
“I know that you either sink or swim in those situations and I knew that he was going to swim.”
Rodgers speaking to the defender after his mistake was classy and another example of his elite man-management.
Ralstons pass was bad, but Grant hanleys shocker of a pass to billy Gilmour caused it. Gilmour pass to ralston was poor, but it was ll he could do. Then Hanley and slack Hendry weren’t paying attention to the game. Both were looking up the pitch rather than giving ralston an option or covering for a mistake.