John Hartson admits the only thing denying Anthony Ralston a game weekly at Celtic is Alistair Johnston.
The Hoops legend is a huge fan of the defender and insists he ‘doesn’t let anybody down’ when called upon for club or country and it is just the qualities of his fellow right-back that is keeping him in reserve at the Hoops. Steve Clarke has regularly called on the defender since the Euros in Germany after injuries to Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson. He continued to deputise in the Nations League double header with Croatia and Portugal and put in another solid showing.
Hartson and fellow pundit Stephen McGinn waxed lyrical over the full-back with the former St Mirren and Falkirk man admitting his ‘huge respect’ for his fellow professional. He also hailed his reliability and professionalism.
Speaking on Go Radio, Hartson said: “He always takes his opportunity. I know sometimes people are looking for a scapegoat. I think everybody at Celtic knows he is not quite as gifted as Alistair Johnston on that right-back side. He is always there to deputise.
“He doesn’t let anybody down. He is always fit, gets up and down and his delivery can be really good. He’s a good defender and I really like him as a player.
“He’s played a lot of games over the years now for Celtic and it is only just because Johnston is such a fantastic player both defensively and going forward. He has been playing really well this season, otherwise no doubt Ralston would be in the Celtic first-team every week if it wasn’t for Johnston.”
Fellow pundit McGinn added: “You feel like you say it all the time whether he has a good game or bad game. I love what Anthony Ralston is. He just steps up for Celtic or Scotland and gives his absolute best.
“So reliable and never ever seems to miss games with injury. Scotland in an ideal situation go to the Euros with Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson but Ralston is there. He never holds up the white flag and says ‘my hamstring is tight’, even if he is having a tough game. As a fellow professional everything he stands for, I have huge respect for him. I thought he was good.”
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