ANGE DEALS IN DEFENDER

NEW Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has given the green light for the club to take up the 12-month option on Anthony Ralston’s contract.

Now Leigh Griffiths must be hoping the one-time Australia international manager will do likewise with his deal.

The Hoops are short of defensive cover and lost Jeremie Frimpong, £11.8million to Bayer Leverkusen, and Hatem Abd Elhamed, £700,000 to Hapoel Be’er Sheva, in the January transfer window.

ON THE BALL…Anthony Ralston in action during a rare first-time appearance for Celtic.

Jonjoe Kenny, who failed to impress during his six-month loan from Everton, has also left the club.

Ralston, who has struggled to make an impact since being introduced to the first team by Ronny Deilia in May 2016, has been given a vote of confidence by the incoming gaffer who is expected in Glasgow this week after quarantining in London, according to the Scottish Sun.

The 22-year-old full-back came through the youth ranks and has made 20 senior appearances in all competitions.

He has spent time on loan at Queen’s Park, Dundee United and St Johnstone in recent seasons.