The parable of Anthony Ralston sees Celtic boosted after rival boss left flabbergasted at new contract

The parable of Anthony Ralston is an inspirational read.

This time last year the Celtic defender received a call from a Scottish Championship manager who had hummed and hawed over whether to make contact at all.

Without revealing any names, there's a few clues in keeping with the religious theme, the boss in question was indeed trying to be a good samaritan by offering Ralston something of a Prodigal Son return to his fold.

It was a chat which contained the offer of a contract, a career lifeline and the chance to show he could cut it in the second tier of our game.

Ralston brought the conversation to an abrupt halt by revealing he'd signed a one-year extension to remain at Parkhead.

"Wow!" That revelation brought some awkward silence before a few warm words and good luck.

The gaffer was flabbergasted, he'd gone from thinking he was doing the player a favour to his jaw dropping to the floor.

Unconvincing loan spells at St Johnstone and Dundee United before making only one appearance for Celtic that season, the manager was shocked the full-back was within a country mile of Ange Postecoglou 's plans.

Ralston is now the poster boy for players who want to defy the prophets of doom who predicted a slide down the divisions by becoming a Premiership winner and stand-out as well as a Scotland cap.

One of the good news stories of this season but as always in football there is always another side of the coin.

It will begin to dawn on more than a few Dundee players this week that this season is as good as it gets.

A host of thanks for nothing will be disguised as fond farewells by Gordon Strachan as man after man is shown the door.

The price of relegation will be laid bare in a bad news day for so many who've been part of a