ANTHONY RALSTON is doing his best to convince boss Ange Postecoglou he doesn’t need to spend millions of pounds on a new right-back.
The 22-year-old is the manager’s only option in th No.2 role at the moment and he is making a massive statement to hold onto the position.
Two sensational goals in back-to-back Premiership matches have signalled the intent of the Academy graduate who made his first-team debut under Brendan Rodgers five years ago.
Since his initial impact, he has been loaned to Queen’s Park, St Johnstone and Dundee United and looked to be heading for the Parkhead exit in the summer before Postecoglou activated the 12-month extension in his terms.
Ralston has responded to the new challenge and his goals against Hearts in the unfortunate 2-1 loss at Tynecastle and yesteday’s 6-0 romp against Dundee in front of 24,500 fans in Glasgow have helped him state his case.
JOY BHOY…Anthony Ralston races away after scoring his goal against Dundee.
Reflecting on the rout of the Tayside outfit, the former Scotland Under-21 prospect said: “It was really good. A great feeling for all the boys.
“We’ve put a lot of work in over the pre-season on the manager’s ideas of how he wants us to play. So, it was great to see everything coming together.
“The boys up front were brilliant and we were solid as a defensive unit. We were all happy as everything clicked in to place.
“We’ve been working hard in training and analysing a lot on how we want to play. It’s nice to go in to a game and put it all together. But it’s important we kick on now and keep playing the right way with intent and the results will come.
“The clean sheet was pleasing. The pressing front to back as a unit was brilliant and it’s important we keep that going in the future.”
Ralston’s goal was a thing of beauty as he controlled the ball in an instant, setting it up nicely as he swivelled to fire a low shot beyond the stranded keeper.
SMILES BETTER…Ange Postecoglou can’t disguise his joy at the end of the 6-0 win over Dundee,
The defender, speaking to the Scottish Sun, added: “I never thought my left foot was much use! I’m delighted to get another goal.
“The most important thing is contributing to the team. Hopefully, I can continue.
“I’ve just had to stay focused when I’ve been out of the team and work hard behind the scenes to make sure I’m as fit as possible.
“So when the chance came I was able to take it. I kept myself right and fortunately I have had the opportunity this season.
“I’m enjoying playing and being in the team. I just need to make sure I keep the right mindset in each game and in training.
“It’s a new role for me to play this way, but I’m really enjoying it. It’s a free role to get inside and get on the ball and be involved.
“I’m just trying to perform the best I can and doing what the manager is telling me to do.”
THREE-GOAL KYOGO THE HERO FOR SIX-HIT HOOPS
