God bless the brickie! Watch again Tony Ralston’s game changing 50-50 tackle
Soccer Football - Europa League - Group G - Celtic v Ferencvaros - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - October 19, 2021 Ferencvaros' Ryan Mmaee in action with Celtic's Anthony Ralston REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
In the 89th minute, as another Celtic attack down the left broke down the ball was played out of the Hibs defence.
There was a very real chance of a breakaway, a counter-attack to test Joe Hart and leave Celtic’s SPFL title challenge floundering, on the ropes.
Tony Ralston wasn’t having that, he saw a 50-50 challenge, or a loose ball that might just be in favour of his opponent and knew that it was now or never. It wasn’t quite Ross County December 2021 but it wasn’t far short either.
Not only did the Celtic substitute win the ball but he was back up on his feet instantly, seeing an opportunity and feeding the ball right. Soon after Matt O’Riley fed the ball in to Kyogo Furuhashi who rushed his shot to escape a desperate lunge from Joe Newall. After a VAR check the penalty was awarded, and scored.
Fair comment, not great tonight but this was good. Think people too easily forget what he did for us under Ange, lack of games for him is always gonna have an effect, shame, great player
— Paul Alexander (@paulybhoy) February 8, 2024
Ralston had less than five minutes on the bench before he was called into action, replacing Alistair Johnston after he had been wiped out by a late and dangerous challenge from Nectarios Triantis.
It looks highly unlikely that Johnston will be back for Sunday’s match away to St Mirren, in tat case Brendan Rodgers has a very reliable back up that never gives less than 100% for 90 plus minutes.