The news that Alistair Johnston is set to miss the beginning of the 2023/24 season comes as a big blow for Celtic. The Canadian right-back has excelled in Glasgow since moving from Montreal in January, but his services will be missed over the next month or two.
Due to Johnston’s absence, Celtic will likely have to call upon Anthony Ralston. Ange Postecoglou managed to turn the right back’s career around, and now, the 24-year-old has a big responsibility going into the new campaign.
Ralston is the champions’ sole right-back at the moment. The spot is his to lose. He will be eager to impress and make the most of this upcoming opportunity, as since Johnston arrived at the club, minutes have been hard to come by for him.
Having guaranteed game time over the coming weeks is hugely positive for Ralston, as is the fact he will be playing under a manager who previously showed a fair amount of faith in him. Brendan Rodgers was unafraid to utilise the defender’s services and even threw him into a Champions League group stage match against PSG at 18.
Such trust from the Celtic gaffer will have to be mirrored once more, as Ralston is the only fit and capable right-back available at the moment. The prospect of continual starts and minutes will whet the academy graduate’s appetite to seize his opportunity.
