Right-back Anthony Ralston of Celtic has a great chance to not only make the Scotland team that is traveling to Germany this summer, but also to start the competition for his nation.
Moreover, Nathan Patterson, a Scotland international, had to leave Chelsea’s 6-0 hammering of Everton last night due to injury after making his first start for the Toffees since the end of January.
After the game, manager Sean Dyche discussed a “serious” hamstring injury and gave the advice to “wait and see” (The Scotsman).
Patterson may be sidelined for an extended amount of time, one presumes. This, together with the news that Aaron Hickey won’t play for Brentford before the season ends (RecordSport), gives Ralston a huge opportunity.
The 25-year-old was named to Steve Clarke’s selection for the March friendly for the national team. Given that he appears to be the third-choice right-back, the Celtic player may well start for the Scots in Germany if Hickey and Patterson are both sidelined for part of the European Championship. Ralston has made eight appearances for the Men’s A team, scoring one goal each time.
Given their recent injury concerns, some may argue that guys like Stephen O’Donnell and Max Johnston should get more opportunities; yet, Ralston has both the experience and quality that the latter player lacks. Having represented Celtic numerous times in Europe, he is aware of the standard needed and would have no hesitations joining the squad. In the event that Patterson and/or Hickey are unavailable by June, Ralston is expected to be called upon, as seen by his recent call-ups.
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