Celtic defender Anthony Ralston has opened up on his recent battle for the right-back spot with Josip Juranovic, as he insisted that competition for places is healthy for Ange Postecoglou’s competitive side.
The academy graduate started the season in fine form, holding the right-back position for crucial European qualifiers at the beginning of the campaign.
The 22-year old kept up his key contributions, including a huge late winner in the 2-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall, and his performances granted the reward of a new contract with his boyhood club.
However, in recent weeks, Croatian full-back Josip Juranovic has held the role, putting in some impressive displays against the likes of Rangers in the Glasgow Derby.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Scottish Cup tie, Ralston insisted that competition for places is extremely healthy for the squad, with players such as Ralston and Juranovic pushing one another to be at the top of their game.
“It’s good to have competition in all positions as it keeps us pushing each other in the right direction. That’s been a feature since we have come back after the break for everyone,” he said, as quoted by Glasgow World.
“The trust is there in all the players, whether you’re in or out of the team. It’s important that players are competing for all positions with the squad depth we have.
“It pushes you as an individual, but at the end of the day, it’s about the team. We all support each other, whoever plays. That’s the case for all positions, not just myself and Josip.
“We have all been ready to come into the team, to a man. It’s shown the strength of the squad we have.”
Ralston is expected to take up the right-back role once again tomorrow, with Juranovic missing out due to illness, which also saw the Croatian internationalist out of action for the midweek victory away to Aberdeen.
In some of the best Celtic sides in recent years, competition for places has proved as a big positive influence, with this season being no different.
As the games keep coming thick and fast, Ange will need to have his entire squad at his disposal for the title race run in.
So fingers crossed, every player can remain fit and at their top level from now until the end of the season.
