Anthony Ralston has explained the reasoning behind swapping Celtic for St Johnstone on transfer deadline day.
The right-back has joined the Perthshire outfit on a season-long loan deal. After Richard Foster’s departure earlier this summer, Tommy Wright was in need of a new full-back.
Ralston has joined St Johnstone. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
He has one in Ralston and now the 20-year-old has explained his reasons for joining. The full-back says he wants to play games every week and make an impression, so that he can challenge for a future spot in the Hoops first-team.
Ralston told the Scottish Sun: “I went in for pre-season and just did what I do every day in training. I worked hard, kept my head down and hoped for the best.
“The way it has worked out, I have been given this opportunity to help with my development. At my age, it’s important to be playing games week in, week out. The manager wished me all the best and we both agreed it was best for my development that I kept getting game time.
Minutes are key. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
“I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my career and doing everything I can for St Johnstone.”
Ralston will get minutes at St Johnstone
Against Livingston, his former Celtic teammate Wallace Duffy started at right-back. He’s only 20, but Ralston is a more experienced option that his former Hoops pal.
He has featured 49 times at senior level with Celtic, Dundee United and Queen’s Park. Duffy, in comparison, has played six and they’ve all been appearances for St Johnstone this term.
Duffy is inexperienced. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Ralston has experience of playing in Europe and featuring in games for the Premiership winners. He’ll be able to bring a winning mentality to Perth.
On the whole, Ralston is decent enough for Wright. His ability to move the ball forward is a bit sketchy, but his positional awareness and tackling are sound qualities.
Alongside Duffy, St Johnstone have healthy competition for the right-back slot. Before he think about the Hoops again, Ralston now needs to concentrate on proceedings in Perth.