Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou stands by Anthony Ralston after Scotland omission as he predicts bright future at Parkhead
ANGE POSTECOGLOU isn’t one for paying much heed of opinions on his players that aren’t his own.
That’s why Anthony Ralston has made 37 Celtic starts this season, despite people saying Josip Juranovic’s arrival would be his death knell.
And it’s why the Hoops boss is certain his right-back will be back in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad sooner rather than later.
Postecoglou was surprised Ralston, 23, was omitted for this week’s double-header, with rivals Nathan Patterson and Stephen O’Donnell both struggling for game time.
He’d never tell Clarke who to pick but said: “The fact some people are surprised Tony wasn’t called up is a reflection on the way he’s been playing.
“If he keeps playing like he does I’m sure he’ll get looked at and he’ll get the opportunity again. He’s come a long way this season.
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“If you think about where he was at the start, if you said in six months people will be disappointed he’s not in the national team, you’d need to check yourself.
“It’s a credit to Tony. He’s worked awfully hard and taken every opportunity he’s had.
“He’s helped us as a team this season in getting us where we are.”
The £2.5million signing of Croatia international Juranovic had people believing Ralston's Celtic career was doomed, despite Postecoglou’s faith in him.
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But the Aussie shrugged: “A lot of people think a lot of things, but it doesn’t really affect me, mate.
“Tony has done well and he’ll continue to be a big part of things here.
“He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing. This is his first full year where he’s playing meaningful minutes here.
“It’s a great foundation for him to improve. If he does that I’m sure the opportunities will come around for him again.”
Postecoglou has had a similar influence on midfielder Matt O’Riley, who has been called up by Denmark’s Under-21s for next Tuesday’s clash with Belgium.
He has enjoyed a stunning first two months since his switch from MK Dons and Postecoglou said: “I’m super pleased for Matt. He’s obviously got a decision to make on his international future.
“But international football will be great for him. It’ll add to him as a player and a person, experiencing a different environment, even training with different types of players.
“It will be brilliant for him. International football is great for players, especially young players.
“It’s fully deserved. He was great before he came, but since he came here he’s handled himself really well, particularly in big games.
“It’s a big incentive. That’s what international football gives players.
“I’m sure in the back of his mind he’ll be thinking there’s a World Cup at the end of the year.
“Whether or not that’s too soon for him, who knows? But I’m sure he’ll do everything in his power.
“If he continues to show for us and play good football, I’m sure he’ll get looked at.”
There’s little rest for many of the Hoops stars, with Carl Starfelt also landing a Sweden recall for their World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic.
After a shaky start to Glasgow life he now looks the part alongside on-loan Spurs defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Postecoglou, who paid £4.5million to land him from Rubin Kazan, said: “Carl has been outstanding. He and Cameron have formed a great understanding.
“He deserves his call-up. Sweden are a strong national team and it shows his form warrants selection.”
Postecolgou was speaking ahead of his own country’s clash with Japan yesterday morning.
Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda weren’t missed as the visitors won 2-0 in Sydney to seal their spot in Qatar, with Reo Hatate watching from the bench.
Crocked Tom Rogic was also missing from the Socceroos side.
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Asked how he’d cope watching, former national boss Postecoglou said: “My allegiances will definitely be with the Aussies, but when our boys are involved you always want them to do well.
“You obviously don’t want them to get injuries, but you can’t worry about that.”
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