CELTS RALSTON JOY AT LONG-TERM DEAL

ANTHONY Ralston looked forward to building on the encouraging start to his Celtic career after signing a new l ong-term contract with the Parkhead club.

The 19-year-old penned a new deal which takes him up until the summer of 2022.

The right-back made seven first-team appearances earlier in the season — including going up against Neymar i n a Champions League clash with Paris St Germain — and is now back in training following a knee i njury which has kept him out since September.

“It’s a great feeling to sign with the club I’ve been with since I’ve been young,” the defender said ahead of t o m o r r o w ’s visit of Rangers.

“This is where I want to be and I want t o start playing more games. I’ve enjoyed getting a taste of it and I’m looking forward to the future.

“It’s great, with the length of the contract, to have that out the way and I can focus on the football side of things. It’s a great feeling and I’m delighted.”

Ralston made his Celtic debut in a defeat by St Johnstone in May 2016 which immediately preceded t heir recordbreaking 69-game unbeaten domestic run.

The Scotland youth international featured twice last season before a run of early season games was halted by injury.

He added: I’ve enjoyed the experiences I’ve had up to now.”