Celtic should take note as Anthony Ralston keeps Inter winger quiet

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Scotland’s under-21s were celebrating last night after Oliver Burke’s goal secured a 1-0 win over France. The result versus the Toulon Youth Festival hosts has certainly sent a message about these young Scottish talents. There are plenty of names to keep an eye on in the Scottish game. One such player, who thrived in the fixture, is Celtic youngster Anthony Ralston.

The 19-year-old talent was up against Axel Bakayoko for France. The 20-year-old Parisien is one of French football’s most exciting talents. In 2014 he was snapped up by Inter Milan from Red Star and has spent this season on loan at Sochaux. Ralston will not come up against many more talented, tricky or powerful wingers in the Scottish top-flight if Celtic give him a chance.

His performance was excellent. Defensively astute, he did a great job of keeping the Inter talent at bay.

For Celtic, this performance can only help confirm what many fans believe. Ralston is now ready to be a regular member of the Celtic first-team squad.

A lot has been made of Celtic’s potential need for a new right-back. With Mikael Lustig’s powers beginning to wane and Christian Gamboa hardly impressive it is an area that needs improving.

However, rather than bringing in a new face, the 19-year-old from Bellshill could offer a cheaper alternative.

Brendan Rodgers will no doubt have been informed of Ralston’s performances on loan at Dundee United. The teenager spent the second half of last season at Tannadice and put in some good performances for The Terrors.

He has overcome the knee injury he picked up last September and showed in Toulon yesterday just why Celtic need to give him a chance.

No doubt he will train with Celtic’s first-team during pre-season and will likely head to Austria for the club’s tour. If he can perform like he did yesterday then Celtic boss Rodgers will have to consider making him the main back-up to Swedish international Lustig next season.

If not, Ralston may have to start considering whether his long-term future is at Parkhead after all.