Anthony Ralston: Celtic star’s 87% and 71% stats vs St Mirren highlight transformation

Anthony Ralston gave a stirring response to Celtic critics on Saturday as they beat St Mirren to keep their Scottish Premiership hopes alive.

The Hoops narrowly won 1-0 at Celtic Park, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first-half goal providing the difference between the sides.

Ralston has been with Celtic throughout his career, making 156 appearances since his 2016 debut.

The 27-year-old had not even featured in the squad throughout February, but has now been thrust into the limelight following a string of injuries.

Celtic’s injury crisis has mounted significantly, with Colby Donavan joining Julian Araujo and Alistair Johnston on the injury table.

Anthony Ralston makes presence felt vs St Mirren

Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Celtic are willing let Ralston leave this summer, with a permanent deal for Araujo eyed.

The Scotland international is set to enter the final year of his contract at Parkhead, and has grown to be an unpopular option among fans of the Bhoys.

They had no choice but to get behind him on Saturday, and the defender stepped up and performed.

Ralston completed 87 per cent of his passes, made three tackles, four recoveries and won 71 per cent of his duels.

While he and much of the Celtic team faded in the second half, the 27-year-old can be pleased to have earned a clean sheet.

Such performances will help in his bid to go to the World Cup with Scotland this summer, with Steve Clarke remaining a fan of his.

Ralston appeared in the last squad and featured against Japan last month, but his seat on the plane to North America this summer remains in question.

Martin O’Neill confirms imminent Alistair Johnston return

Johnston has not featured since October, with the Canada international suffering from a significant hamstring injury.

Speaking before Saturday’s game, O’Neill confirmed that the 27-year-old would not be available this weekend, but is set to return in the coming days.

“He’s trained with the team today, which was very encouraging,” the Celtic boss confirmed. “I don’t think he felt any ill effects.

“He has joined in, he joined in before and then he went and injured himself with the national team. But he’s coming up well, and we need him as soon as possible.

“No, we don’t really know [when he will be back]. If he comes through today, the work he did with the team and also on his own, then next week will hopefully be a good week’s training for him and then who knows?”

Even if Johnston returns in the coming days, Celtic will be wary of his involvement. Considering the numbers already out injured, decision-makers will be keen to protect the right-back.

Ralston may still be required to cover in the meantime, with the Scot hoping to build off Saturday’s strong showing.

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