Several Celtic stars will be hoping to make history with Scotland at Euro 2024 on Sunday after a very difficult opening.
Steve Clarke’s side can become the first Scottish side in history to progress to the knockout stages of a major tournament if they beat Hungary and other results go their way.
Celtic captain Callum McGregor took a lot of stick for his performance in the opening game against Germany, whilst Anthony Ralston’s unfortunate back pass was punished by Xherdan Shaqiri and Switzerland.
Either way, the Celtic duo have been showing a lot of fighting spirit, with the likes of Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Scott McTominay and the returning Billy Gilmour, to name a few, showing what they do best.
Yes, it wasn’t a win for Clarke and his players against the Swiss, but it was still a point and a very hard-fought one that has given them belief that they can beat Hungary.
Stephen McGinn, the brother of midfielder John, was keen to highlight the type of character Ralston is, at both club and international level.
The former Falkirk captain stated that Ralston made a ‘big mistake’ last time out, but he had a ‘really, really good second half’.
He added by saying that the Celtic fullback is ‘never going to be the best right-back that plays for Celtic’, but he feels, when it matters most, ‘Ralston stands up to be counted’, as he told Go Radio.
You feel all of that, and a little bit more, is going to be needed in the final group game of Euro 2024 and in what is one of Scotland’s biggest games ever.
Anthony Ralston at Euro 2024 with Scotland
“I think also Anthony Ralston makes a big mistake,” said McGinn. “I thought he had a really, really good second half.
“What I will always say about Anthony Ralston. He’s never going to be the best right-back that plays for Celtic. But he stands up to be counted. The amount of games he comes into where Alistair Johnston did in the last Rangers game. He goes off with 15 minutes to go. My brother is a right-back. It’s such a hard position to come into. You are in that last line. Protecting a lead and you are having to defend.
“He always stands up to be counted. I thought he recovered really well from the mistake.”
Scotland v Hungary at Euro 2024
Unfortunately, for Scotland, ex-Celtic star Kieran Tierney has picked up another injury and has returned back to Arsenal. Perhaps it rules out any chance of a transfer.
That’s a huge blow to the team and that will probably be the only forced change for the final match.
READ MORE: Manager thinks it would be ‘stupid’ to let £8m ace sign for Celtic now
Other than that, this is the chance for these Scotland players to inspire a generation because, not only are they now consistently qualifying for major tournaments, but they could now reach the knockout stages and dream of the unthinkable.
It’s all about what Scotland do on the ball. From McGinn to McGregor. They have players who can take the ball under pressure and make it count. And now is the best time to do it.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
