Anthony Ralston dealt scathing Celtic 'building site' verdict as Frank McAvennie claims defender has gone backwards

McAvennie's ruthless criticism came after his performance in the 0-0 draw with St Mirren.

He's affectionately known as 'the brickie' after proving nearly everyone wrong under Ange Postecoglou's guidance.

But Frank McAvennie turned on Celtic star Anthony Ralston as he claimed the right-back looked like he'd walked straight "off a building site" and into St Mirren's SMISA Stadium.

Scotland cap Ralston has had a whirlwind end to 2021, standing up and being counted when the cards were stacked against a ravaged squad in late summer when Postecoglou first took over.

And his headed winner in added time at Ross County will go down as a memorable moment of this season.

But McAvennie wasn't ready to give him an inch of leeway when he brought up the 0-0 draw in Paisley - which now sees Celtic going into the winter break six points behind Rangers at the top.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "I was at the St Mirren game and I thought, ‘Dear me he’s gone backwards’.

"Oh my God, he was hopeless. He looked bit-part. Honestly, he was playing like he had just come off a building site.

"He was just crashing around into people. That’s the player I was always convinced wouldn’t make it.

"He looked great earlier this season, that’s why he got the Scotland call-up.

"But he hasn’t looked the same and I was so disappointed with him against St Mirren.

"I was disappointed with everyone if I’m honest but Ralston was really poor."