Anthony Ralston reflects on Scotland and Celtic journey after goal - 'I didn’t know what was happening'

Anthony Ralston was handed a new 12-month deal last June at Celtic more out of necessity than the feeling he was viewed as a long-term right back by the club.

He was the only player who could play that position left at the club when Ange Postecoglou arrived. The Australian has never regretted triggering the option of tying Ralston down for one more year.

Now the 23-year-old is a fully-fledged international with a goal on the first start for his country. Ralston scored the opener with a well-placed header as Scotland defeated Armenia 2-0 in their first Nations League fixture.

The result provided some comfort after last week’s ruinous defeat to Ukraine in a World Cup semi-final play-off.

Ralston was one of six changes to the team as Steve Clarke sought to ensure there was no Hampden hangover against a side ranked No 92 in the world.

“This is football and you just need to keep yourself positive at all times, keep working and that’s what I’ll continue to do for the rest of my career,” said Ralston afterwards, when asked about his swift change in fortunes.

He signed a new three-year extension to his contract as recently as November after proving his worth to Postecoglou.

“I was in a situation where I didn’t know what was happening,” he said. “My contract was coming to an end. But I just kept believing in myself. I kept on working hard and I managed to get myself back in and just take my opportunities when I got them.

“I’ve worked hard,” he added. “I wasn’t involved at Celtic, it’s no secret it was a hard time for me. But I kept myself right, I kept training hard, I kept believing. I’m happy I’ve done that, I gave myself the best chance and that’s all I could do.”

Ralston is looking forward to showing Mila, his two-year old