Ange Postecoglou clears up Tony Ralston Celtic absence

Ange Postecoglou has revealed that Celtic defender Tony Ralston was struggling with an injury heading into the weekend match against Ross County.

Ralston was a surprise absentee yesterday, not even found in the match squad on the bench.

However, he has already returned to training and there’s no concern about him being missing for upcoming matches against Real Betis and Livingston.

Tony Ralston Celtic
Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Greg Taylor is set to be assessed by the medical team after a recurrence of the shoulder probably he suffered against AZ Alkmaar.

Speaking to The Scottish Sun, the manager said: “Greg had two weeks of rehab  but it looks like the same shoulder again. It’s a bit of concern for him that he’s re-injured it but we’ll leave that to the medical people.

“Tony’s good, he’ll be available for Thursday. He’s been back in training for the last couple of days and will be ready to go.”

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Ralston has been an impressive performer for Celtic so far this season. Despite the arrival of Josip Juranovic, he has as much a chance as anyone of featuring in starting line-ups over the next seven days.

His recent problem could also explain why he wasn’t called up to the recent Scotland squad despite multiple players pulling out.

If I had to commit to playing Ralston in one of the upcoming matches, it’d be against Livingston. No harm to him, but Juranovic has international experience and that kind of pedigree could be crucial on the road in Europe.

Tony Ralston Celtic
Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images

But I have no qualms about the manager throwing Ralston back into things for the trip to the Tony Macaroni Arena on Sunday, in what will be a tough, physical battle as always in West Lothian.

There’s still a possibility he plays in Spain too, especially if Juranovic is shifted over to the left flank to replace the injured Taylor, as he was at Ibrox.

At least we have viable options on the flanks now!

In other news, “At no stage has the board got in the way”; Ange sends passionate, crystal clear Celtic message.

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