‘That boy’: Stephen McGinn tells about an unsung Celtic player who has been told he is ‘not good enough’ to play for Scotland.

‘Many Celtic fans will be relieved to see the end of the international break and the return of domestic duty this weekend.

With Brendan Rodgers prepared to face Hearts, the repercussions from Scotland’s results over the last two weeks continues.

Anthony Ralston, a Celtic defender, was involved in both Scotland’s tight defeats to Poland and Portugal, and while he performed admirably against the Poles, the penalty he conceded will most likely be on his mind.

But looking at Ralston, you’d never tell whether it was or not because he always appears cool and collected, especially in the face of relentless criticism, according to Stephen McGinn.

Anthony Ralston is a role model for younger players.

Ralston’s Celtic narrative is one that fans adore. The defender, a club supporter, is realizing his dream of rising from the academy to wearing the green and white Hoops against Barcelona and Rangers.

However, as a backup to Alistair Johnston at Celtic and Aaron Hickey for Scotland, McGinn believes Ralston is ‘a credit to himself’ despite receiving some unwarranted criticism recently.

McGinn told The Go Radio Football Show, “I have to say, for what Anthony Ralston goes through in terms of the amount of people telling him he’s not good enough to play for Celtic, he’s not good enough to play for Scotland, how resilient that boy is in terms of, even when he makes a mistake and gives away a penalty, I thought he responded really well.”

“He is a credit to himself and probably to a lot of young players out there in terms of dealing with criticism and just absolutely going again.”

Ralston’s significance to Celtic and Scotland
Plenty of people have ideas about Ralston, which is OK. But one thing is certain: everytime he puts on the Celtic or Scotland jersey, he gives his all.

Ralston’s resilience and determination, in addition to his football skill, have propelled him to where he is today, which is why his Celtic teammates hold him in such high regard.

Is Ralston the game’s most smooth and talented fullback? Even he admits he is not, but he is a very good defender, powerful, athletic, with excellent passing skills, and he never backs down from a challenge, which is critical in today’s game.