Celtic have both of their two first-choice right-backs out on international duty.
While it may be beneficial when it comes to their Europa League group-stage opener next week, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers may feel slightly frustrated that the Hoops’ first game following the international break takes place on Friday.
St Mirren may have made a poor start to the campaign, but they will have no problem getting up for the game against the Bhoys and the champions will have several players within their ranks who will have been away on international duty in recent times.
The number of internationals may tempt Rodgers to make a few changes from the side that beat Rangers last time out, and perhaps one of the changes that the Hoops should consider is handing Anthony Ralston the chance to play at right-back.
Ralston is facing a difficult time trying to get into the Celtic side this term, with both Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa arguably looking better than they did last year.
He is yet to make his first senior appearance of the campaign, but perhaps with both Lustig and Gamboa away on international duty with their respective nations, Friday’s game may be a good time to hand him a chance.
Celtic’s squad is going to be pushed over the next few months and giving Ralston some minutes could prove beneficial in case they need to hand the academy graduate a run of games in the coming months.
Ralston has proved that he is a capable defender and will enjoy a bright future, but he will struggle to develop his game if he is not given a chance. And with Lustig and Gamboa travelling back over the coming days, Friday’s game may be a good time to hand Ralston an opportunity.
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