Celtic agree for star to run down his contract as summer exit suits 'all parties' unless one thing happens
Fringe man has barely had a look in at Celtic Park this year
Celtic are reportedly planning to let Anthony Ralston run down his contract which expires this summer, unless the defender attracts January transfer interest.
The 27-year old academy graduate was once a regular at right back for the Hoops but has found himself sliding down the selection pecking order in recent years. With fellow full backs Alistair Johnston and Colby Donovan often chosen ahead of him now under manager Martin O’Neill, his 19-year association with the club is nearing it’s conclusion.
However, when the Scotland international leaves the club is another matter. Celtic now have a decision to make, whether to let Ralston run out the rest of his contract or try to cash in on him in January. According to transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke, the best deal for ‘all parties’ is the former, however Celtic would also be ‘happy’ to sell in the winter.
Celtic to make decision on Ralston’s future
Via Football Insider, he said: “Celtic will be happy to sell right-back Anthony Ralston if he receives interest in January. The veteran defender is firmly down the pecking order at Parkhead and is out of contract next summer. Sources say that an exit on a free next summer suits "all parties," unless the chance arises for Ralston to move on this winter.”
Despite minutes decreasing, Ralston still made 35 Celtic appearances last season in all competitions, although Johnston missed most of the campaign through injury. The same has applied to this campaign so far with the Canadian suffering a recurring hamstring issue, however the consistency of 20-year old Donovan has left Ralston nowhere to be seen. The Scotland under-21 international has started the last 17 games in a row at right back, while Ralston has accrued four appearances - all from the bench.
What has O’Neill said ahead of Besiktas?
Donovan is likely to start on Thursday night as Celtic take on Besiktas in the Europa League. Having lost their first three in the competition’s league phase, the Hoops are in desperate need of a result at Parkhead to keep their qualification hopes alive. When asked if the match is a must-win, manager O’Neill responded: “I mean, it'll be our fourth game.
“We need to get off the mark at some stage or another. I was told that statistically speaking that any team who's lost their first three games haven't made it through. So it doesn't all look brilliantly for us, if that's the case. So if we're going for a fourth one, then that would be a world record then.
“But I genuinely think when we get our best team out, maybe by the next four or five weeks (through injuries), then we can win games (in Europe) but we're definitely running out of matches, no question about it. But we are capable of still qualifying. If, let's say, 10 points is the mark, it means you really have to go away and win, not draw.”