Ralston: I feared Celts career was coming to an end
admits he’s just relieved to still be playing at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou as he revealed he feared his time may have been up.
The 23-year-old rightback came through the club’s academy and had a loan spell at Queen’s Park before making his Hoops debut in May 2016 against St Johnstone.
However, after further loan spells at Dundee United and St Johnstone, and after making just one appearance last season against Livingston when Celtic were depleted due to Covid-19 issues, it looked like he was finished as a Hoops player.
But a new lease of life under Postecoglou, who took over in the summer, has brought a new contract until 2025 as well as four goals in the Premiership so far this season with Ralston also going on to make his Scotland debut in November to complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.
Ralston also picked up a Premier Sports Cup winners’ medal after Celtic
ALAN MARSHALL beat Hibs in the Hampden final earlier in the month.
Ralston said: “It was natural for me to think it [Celtic career] was coming to an end.
“I’ve been here since the age of eight and coming through all the years at the academy, it comes with a lot of ups and downs. It was hard last season when you’re not involved.
“I spent a lot of time on the training pitch and put my work in there. You need to keep yourself right.
“I felt my time maybe had come to an end but when I got my opportunity, I wasn’t going to let it go and I just want to keep myself there.”
Postecoglou changed the way Celtic play with Ralston’s role as an inverted full-back a key part the Hoops’ hightempo style of football.
The defender said: “Since he’s come in the gaffer has been great, not just with me but with all the boys.
“On a personal note, it is obviously a new way of playing and I am loving it.”