John Hartson has reacted on Twitter with a two-word verdict after Anthony Ralston signed a new contract with Celtic on Tuesday, keeping the defender at Parkhead until 2025.
Ralston was due to be a free agent next summer, as his previous deal with the Premiership giants expired next May. But the Bhoys have kept the 22-year-old in Glasgow, after he has established a key role in Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
The right-back grabbed his chance to impress the Australian after Postecoglou took over the helm in June. Ralston has started 21 of Celtic’s 23 fixtures so far this season across all competitions. He has also offered four goals and two assists.
Postecoglou has so far only been without Ralston during Celtic’s Premiership games against Ross County and Livingston in September. The Hoops product sat out the Staggies trip to Parkhead through injury, while rested at Alderstone Road.
Hartson has reacted to Ralston’s new Celtic contract by issuing a two-word verdict on Twitter. The three-time Premiership winner with the Bhoys simply wrote: ‘Well deserved’.
Was Clarke wrong to overlook Celtic star Ralston for Scotland duty?
Ralston has been a real star for Postecoglou at Celtic this season, for Hartson to deem his new contract merited. Yet the Hoops’ announcement of his new terms came on the same day Steve Clarke left the defender out of his Scotland squad for their November fixtures.
Ralston is still waiting to make a first senior international squad after caps at Under-19, U20 and U21 levels. Last representing the Tartan Army at any age range in 2018. The defender may feel his form warranted a senior international bow after his domestic breakthrough.
The Glasgow-native had only featured 20 times for the Hoops entering 2021/22 following his debut in May 2016. But has shown he can contribute at both ends of the fields with his efforts under Postecoglou. Celtic boast the best defensive record in the Premiership so far this season with just seven goals conceded. They also rank first for goals scored with 26.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
