ANTHONY RALSTON celebrated his 18th international cap by playing his part in Scotland’s dramatic 2-1 stoppage-time win over Poland in Warsaw last night.
The Celtic defender watched as his full-back partner Andy Robertson headed in the clincher to throw the Scots a UEFA Nations League lifeline.
Ralston and his team-mates went into the encounter in the Polish capital knowing it was a win-or-bust situation.
After last week’s 1-0 victory over Croatia at Hampden, Steve Clarke’s players had to get three points to earn third spot and a place in a relegation play-off.
SCOTLAND THE RAVE…Anthony Ralston is top Bhoy as he celebrates with John McGinn after the midfielder’s winner against Croatia at Hampden. Billy Gilmour and Lyndon Dykes race to add their congratulations.
John McGinn, who will square up to Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops in the final match of the Champions League qualifier at Villa Park on January 29 next year, got the nod to start after his crucial late strike against Luka Modric and Co.
And he repeated the feat against the Poles with a low drive after only three minutes after being set up by former Parkhead prospect Ben Doak.
Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay then hit the woodwork in the first-half before another ex-Celt, Craig Gordon, was left helpless by Kamil Piatkowski’s stunning equaliser.
Robertson, making his 80th appearance, then produced the matchwinner when he stole in at the far post to thump in a ferocious header to book a play-off in March.
Jubilant gaffer Clarke, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “We started with three narrow defeats with good performances.
“The players didn’t lose belief, I didn’t lose belief in the players. They end up taking seven points from the last three games which gets us into that play-off.
“The more you play at this level, the more you learn how to win the games. That’s what we’ve proved.”
Hero of the hour Robertson smiled: “It was probably one of my better headers! Just a great feeling to get the win because I think our performance deserved it.
THE RACE IS ON…Anthony Ralston prapres to move in on Croatia’s Jasko Gvardiol.
“Over the six games we deserved more points than we’ve got.
“This team’s shown time and time again that we don’t stop until the final whistle. We’ve given the away fans another good day out.”
The Scots missed out on second place after Croatia got the point they needed in a 1-1 draw at home to Portugal.
The victory also boosted Clarke’s men’s hopes of edging into pot two of next month’s World Cup qualifying draw.
Ralston may be a bit-part player at the champions due to Alistair Johnston’s consistency, but he played in all six of Scotland’s Nations League games and once again emphasised his qualities as a reliable squad performer.
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