BRENDAN RODGERS has hailed his young star Anthony Ralston who could be a potential replacement for Mikael Lustig long term if he can keep playing as he did against Motherwell.
The Irishman spoke very highly of the defender after he helped Celtic to a clean sheet but also got the opening goal to send the Scottish champions on their way to a 3-0 victory.
“He needed to be better, he needed to improve in his game,” Rodgers told Celtic TV.
“It was really about timing. He’s stuck with it, he’s worked very hard and I thought he was outstanding tonight.”
“He was aggressive, he kicked their players, he kicked our own players”
“He has great endurance to keep getting forward, he gets in tonight and gets a goal, and it was a fantastic finish.”
Ralston was picked to play in a game against PSG last season but has not seen much game time since. The defender was loaned out to Dundee Utd last season and has been working hard in the developmental squad waiting for a chance to shine.
He has done his chances of more first-team appearances no harm by playing so well against a dogged Motherwell side.
The defender showed the kind of physicality sometimes needed in games where the opposition is trying to dominate Celtic physically.
Brendan was honest enough to say the player needed more work and development before he got another chance. Could he be another breakout star like Ryan Christie over the next few months?
That would be great another home grown Scottish player just what you need a team full of home grown stars that form a very strong bond that makes them very hard to beat…
To true on that, but what about someone pushing Tony for his slot. Still need a left and two centre backs. A goaly, a striking centre mid. One striker. Sell all the others Celtic have. In midfield. And most importantly get GRIFFO fit and rearing to go. As he gives everything for his fellow Hoops.