ANTHONY Ralston has expressed hope that a Class of ’17 reunion in Germany can help Scotland to pull off more giant-killing acts at Euro 2024.
Ralston is set to feature for his country at right wing back against Finland at Hampden tonight in what is their final warm-up match before they fly out to the finals.
The Celtic full-back is in contention to start in the tournament opener against the hosts a week today due to the absence of Aaron Hickey of Brentford and Nathan Patterson of Everton.
But the eight-times capped 25-year-old is surrounded by familiar faces in the national set-up – he played extensively with Billy Gilmour, Ross McCrorie, Scott McKenna, Lewis Morgan, Ryan Porteous and John Souttar at age-group level.
They helped the Scotland Under-20 and Under-21 teams to pull off upsets against Brazil, the Netherlands and France and the defender is looking forward to seeing if they can gel again and enjoy the same sort of results this month.
“These boys have been together and youth level and involved in big tournaments,” he said. “To then now potentially be involved in a big tournament together at the top level is nice.
“It’s good to show that throughout your journey, despite going different paths, you end up coming together for this in that same environment. Hopefully we can all be part of it.”
“It’s part of football at club level,” he said. “Ross will have the same at his club. It’s nowhere near daggers across the dining room table or anything like that. I actually get on really well with Ross, he’s a great guy. “I’ve known him since we were kids playing against each other. He’s a very good player and it’s just football that there’s competition in every position here and the same at your club. “It’s healthy competition at the end of the day that you embrace. You just have to make sure when you get your opportunity you take it.” Ralston has not been a regular starter for Celtic in recent months - but he is familiar with the Scotland system and is confident he will be able to make an impact if Clarke selects him for the Group A games against Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.
“It's the position I've played a few times under the manager here and I enjoy playing it,” he said. “You're able to go forwards and be part of the attack then you need to show your defensive qualities as well. “I've played before and the way the gaffer coaches it here it’s made easier because of what I’m told to do and the instructions I'm given and it's up to me to follow the instructions and go in and do the job for the team.”
