Anthony Ralston signs new Celtic deal and admits thrill of extending with boyhood heroes 'never gets old'

Anthony Ralston has penned a new Celtic contract tho keep him at his boyhood heroes at least until 2028.

The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Parkhead and was handed his first team debut seven years ago in a league clash against St Johnstone, coming on as a substitute in May 2016. Ronny Deila was in charge but Brendan Rodgers replaced the Norwegian that summer and Ralston flourished under the Irishman, including being handed a chance in a Champions League clash against giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Rodgers is now back and Ralston has put pen to paper on an extension after making 90 appearances for the Hoops, scoring seven goals. He told the club website: “I’m absolutely delighted, and it’s a great feeling to sign with your boyhood club on a new contract. It never gets old, that feeling of being able to put pen to paper to secure your future when you want to be.

“I just put my head down every day and worked hard since I signed my last contract two years ago and it’s just been a case of going in, getting work done, doing my best for the team and helping to bring success. And I feel that, as a team, we've managed to do that, and within that players get their rewards, so like I say, I'm absolutely delighted to get it done."

Boss Rodgers added: "I'm absolutely delighted for Anthony. He was a young player who showed a lot of promise when I was first here. He came into the team and played some games, and obviously he really kicked on when Ange came in and had that early spell where he played quite a lot, and you could see him grow from that.

"So for me and the squad, I'm absolutely delighted. He's a Celtic guy who's come through the system here and I just think that when you have guys like that in your squad, you always get