Celtic youngster Anthony Ralston recently joined Dundee United on an emergency loan.
Celtic academy graduate Anthony Ralston recently moved to Dundee United on an emergency loan move.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a terrific start to the season having gained some decent first-team exposure. However, having missed much of the winter period through injury, the right-back has failed to regain his position in the team.
Ralston has made over 20 Celtic appearances to date, with many touting the young Scotsman to take over from Mikael Lustig as the club’s regular right-back. Yet it appears manager Brendan Rodgers would like to offer the teenager a chance to go away and impress on loan at a decent standard before staking a long-term claim.
The Scotland under-21 international spent much of 2015/2016 on loan at League Two side Queen’s Park. However, playing for promotion chasing Dundee United in the Championship will be a whole new kettle of fish.
Ralston should definitely be looking to the likes Kristoffer Ajer, also 19, and Callum McGregor, as fellow Bhoys who enjoyed successful loan spells away, coming back with more experience and nailing down a regular first-team place the following season.
Ajer spent last season on loan at Kilmarnock aged only 18, but this season he has returned to Celtic Park as one of the club’s most consistent defenders, outshining the likes of Dedryk Boyata and Jozo Simunovic.
The Norwegian, himself, has spoken of the importance of his loan exposure, and there is no doubt that McGregor feels the same way about his time at Notts County.
Ralston could not be handed a better time to impress Rodgers, with Lustig’s level of performance seeming to drop further by the week.
If the teenager can impress at Tannadice, the Celtic boss will almost definitely be considering him as a genuine contender for the right-back shirt next season.
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