It may not be the time to entertain anything that might be seen to rain on Anthony Ralston’s parade.
The full-back’s performances over the last four months have seen him pushed into the Scotland squad ahead of tonight’s final World Cup qualifier against Denmark, a reward for the manner in which his renaissance has come about in recent months.
Ralston’s performances delivered a long-term contract at Celtic, won over a sceptical support and have shown that he won’t give up that right-back berth without a fight.
The manner of how he has performed speaks volumes for Ralston in terms of his mentality. One can only imagine that Celtic Park is not an easy place to play when you can feel the weight of doubt all around you.
To have come through that with his credentials enhanced is no easy feat and something which is as notable as the displays he has produced under Ange Postecoglou.
Yet, as World Cup qualifying games rounded up this weekend anyone watching as Croatia qualified for the tournament with a win over Russia would have applauded the contribution of Josip Juranovic.
The full-back was excellent at right-back for his country and will relish the prospect of a World Cup extravaganza in just over 12 months’ time as Croatia get set for another appearance at the tournament.
Injury issues have meant that Juranovic has played more often than not on the left for Celtic, a solution that has been easier to settle on given Ralston’s contribution from the right.
But over the coming months, as Greg Taylor returns from shoulder surgery and the January transfer window opens with the possibility of reinforcements on the left, it will be intriguing to see how the battle for the right-back spot plays out at Celtic Park.
It is, of course, the kind of headache that all managers like to say they enjoy. Ralston has done little wrong and the way in which he has gone about his business this season seems deserving of keeping a firm grip of his first-team spot.
There remains a suspicion, though, that Celtic have not yet had the opportunity to see the best of Juranovic in his natural position. With both pushing one another for the same spot in the team Postecoglou has options and decisions to make that simply weren’t there at the start of the season.
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