ANGE POSTECOGLOU has delivered his biggest hint yet he’s ready to tie down Anthony Ralston to a new deal.
The Celtic manager was asked about talks between the club and Anthony, while Ange didn’t deliver any new updates, his glowing report card of the defender is quite something.
For context – Anthony would’ve likely exited the club back in the summer had the squad not been in disarray. The player’s deal was up but there was a year option Celtic triggered – not because he was close to a first team breakthrough, but solely down to a numbers game.
Sometimes timing is everything, but even when you get a second chance on something you thought was gone, you still have to put the work in. Hard work is where Ralston is excelling and Ange Postecoglou hasn’t been shy in his praise and admiration for the Scottish defender.
He explained to Celtic FC Youtube: “I don’t think he’s thinking about contracts. The important thing for Tony is to keep doing what he’s doing.
“Every week he works hard and wants to improve. He’s having an impact in games.
“Like all footballers, when they do those things, the rest of it takes care of itself, contract issues and all that kind of stuff. I’m sure he’ll get rewarded.
“Other people might have a different opinion of him, but, from the moment I walked in, all I’ve seen is a footballer who’s really eager to learn.
“He really wanted an opportunity and really wanted to take it. As a manager, that’s what you are looking for.
“You want guys who will give everything for that opportunity, who want to learn, be better and who demonstrate that every day in training, not just in games.
“Tony is one of those guys.
“Sometimes in a football career when there’s uncertainty or it looks like something could be taken away from you, getting a second bite at it makes you even more determined to get it right.
“He’s done everything right so far. I think there’s more to come.”
Josip Juranovic is back fit, but he’s been preferred at left back while Greg Taylor is out at the moment. Presumably, when Ange is happy with his left back options, Josip and Anthony will share the responsibilities.
Right now, it looks as if Anthony will get his new Celtic deal, the defender is free to talk to club’s in January so expect some movement between now and the end of December.
