Anthony Ralston names 2 Celtic stars who give him 'hope and inspiration' (2025)

The Scotland defender - who has played mainly second fiddle to the right-back - is still learning and loving life at Parkhead

It must be one of the most unenviable tasks in Scottish football.

Trying to dislodge Alistair Johnston as Celtic’s right-back.

After all, given the Canadian defender’s form since he arrived in the east end of Glasgow, he now resembles an immovable object in Brendan Rodgers’ starting line-up.

But someone has to do it. And while Anthony Ralston is still learning and loving life at Parkhead, the Scot is up for the challenge.

Off the pitch, Ralston and Johnston get on like a house on fire. But that doesn’t mean the 26-year-old doesn’t have a burning desire to take his place.

All Ralston can do is excel when he’s called upon. And it helps him at club level that – for now at least – he’s first choice for his country in the position.

Ralston has been Scotland’s go-to guy at right-back since just before Euro 2024.

And even though the likes of Brentford’s Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson of Everton are on their way back, the jersey is his for the moment.

Being a key part of Steve Clarke’s side has kept him ticking over for whenever Rodgers needs him at Celtic.

Last weekend in their thumping win over Kilmarnock, he replaced the ever-reliable Johnston from the bench and scored his team’s fifth goal.

And while he’s at least putting pressure on his pal – Ralston has no interest in being anywhere else.

Capped 53 times by Canada, Johnston has been a revelation at the Hoops since signing two years ago and will start at Hampden today as Celtic look to get past St Johnstone and reach the Scottish Cup Final.

But Ralston, as ever, will be ready if required. When asked about their relationship, the Scot said: “We get on great. That’s on the training pitch and outside of football. We support each other, regardless of who’s playing.

“That doesn’t change if it’s me in the team or vice versa – it works both ways.

“It’s a healthy relationship we’ve got. Because the most important thing here is always the team. We are built on success and as long as that’s happening we’re both happy.

“Listen, I strive for my own personal goals in my career. I like to keep my head down and work towards them.

“Playing for Scotland this season has been great. It’s a real honour for me and my family.

“And by keeping myself right, I’ve been able to go in and do my job for my club as well.

“It means whenever I’m called upon I’m in the best shape possible to do that job for the team.”

You have to admire Ralston’s resilience and dedication.

At 26 he could be tempted to leave Celtic and go elsewhere for more regular football.

But it helps when he sees two Scottish pals and fellow academy graduates – Callum McGregor and James Forrest – with the same hunger and desire to win trophies now as they did when they first came through the ranks.

Those two inspire Ralston to knuckle down and win as much silverware as he can at Celtic.

He said: “If I look at it as an academy player who has come through the system, I look at those types of players who have had so much success.

“My aim is to work my way through the years and get as close to them as possible.

“What those two have done over their time at Celtic has been amazing.

“It’s something that gives me a lot of hope and inspiration to keep working every day and to achieve similar success – which is obviously a hard ask. Looking at them keeps me humble, which is good.

“To be a Celtic player you need a winning mentality instilled in you.

“We’re built on winning trophies, that’s what we strive for. Even in training, every day it’s there. You never want to be on the losing side. And we need to use that to finish the season on a high.”

A domestic Treble would certainly meet that criteria. But to lift the Scottish Cup, they must see off a Saints side who stunned the champions in Perth just a fortnight ago.

Ralston knows the Perth club well after a loan stint in 2019 – and he’s taking nothing for granted.

He said: “I enjoyed my time there. I was young and getting games was just what I needed.

“We don’t take any game lightly. We weren’t at our best against St Johnstone the last time and it was disappointing.

“But we learned from it. Fair play to them – but we put it right against Kilmarnock.

“Morale is high again and we’re looking forward to the cup tie now.”