Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed what he said to Anthony Ralston to inspire the defender’s impressive season.
Last year, the Scottish full-back didn’t seem to hold much importance, let alone a future, with the Bhoys. Indeed, he played just once across the entire previous league campaign.
However, under his new manager, he has become a first-team regular, featuring in all but two matches across all competitions, as well as getting a first-ever international call-up.
Is Anthony Ralston Celtic's best fullback?
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Now, while talking in an interview with Open Goal, Postecoglou has explained that he simply opened the door for Ralston and the rest was all on the young defender, saying:
“I said that to him: ‘I just open the door, mate, you have to walk through and then you have to do it.’
“It’s easy for me to say that, ‘oh, you know, I’ve changed Tony, and he’s become this player because of me’. But I just gave him that opportunity and the framework and gave him some information which he took on board, but the rest is him.
“I think he just made up his mind that, you know, ‘once I walk through that door, I’m shutting it behind me and I’m not going back’.
“And credit to him, he’s done really well. I’m sure there’s more to come.”
TIF Thoughts on Anthony Ralston and Celtic…
Postecoglou’s comments are extremely modest considering how his coaching has helped Ralston become a Scotland international and earn a new contract until the summer of 2025 with the Bhoys in the short time since his arrival.
No doubt, the 5ft 8in Celtic ace will be keen to repay some of that faith with more great performances as the season goes on. A good place to start would be the Scottish League Cup final.
The right-back played the full 90 minutes as his side beat St. Johnstone 1-0 in the semi-final at the weekend. As a result, Celtic will now meet Hibernian in the final this December, giving Postecoglou a first shot at silverware with the club.
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