Postecoglou brings defender in from the cold

Celtic have decided to take up a 12 month option on Tony Ralston’s contract.

The defender made just one top team appearance last season with Hatem Abd Elhamed, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonjoe Kenny ‘battling’ it out for the right-back berth.

Ralston turned in a very impressive appearance at home to Livingston in January while 13 players self-isolated after the Dubai trip but was promptly dropped by Neil Lennon who brought Kenny in from Everton when Frimpong was sold.

Now The Sun reports that Ralston is ready to be given a fresh chance- four years after making his debut alongside Mikey Johnston under former boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Sun reports:

CELTIC have taken up the option on Tony Ralston’s deal — tying him down for another year. The 22-year-old full-back had attracted interest from Premiership and Championship clubs.

Ralston is currently the only recognised right-back on Celtic’s books as new boss Ange Postecoglou hunts for players.

Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Abd Elhamed were sold in January and Everton loanee Jonjoe Kenny returned to Goodison Park last month. Ralston will now get a chance to impress Postecoglou in the early weeks of pre-season.

Lee O’Connor is also in contention to play at right-back after returning from a season on loan with Tranmere Rovers.

Ange Postecoglou has still to make his first signing but after assessing players while he was in quarantine it seems that Ralston is about to come in from the cold.