Brendan’s correct, it’s sensible to look ‘internally’ for AJ replacement

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The Celtic Star

·23 août 2025

Brendan’s correct, it’s sensible to look ‘internally’ for AJ replacement

Brendan Rodgers is correct – It makes perfect sense to look ‘internally’ for AJ replacement and today that will be Anthony Ralston, so for heaven’s sake give the Bhoy all the support possible…

Alistair Johnston of Celtic is stretchered off after sustaining an injury during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park on August 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

With Alistair Johnston being ruled out for up to 12 weeks, it’s clearly left a big void in the right back role for what will be a crucial period of the season both domestically and in Europe, with a relentless period of games every three or four days.

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Kenny, Scales and Ralston. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Tony Ralston is the obvious man to step in for the Canadian international, but we do have another couple of options available namely young Colby Donavan who’s the regular right back for the B side, whilst both Reo Hatate and Arne Engels are equally capable of slotting in at the right hand side of the defence.

There’s been chatter of a stop gap being ushered in for a loan spell, but Brendan’s words at yesterday’s press conference suggest he will explore ‘internal’ before making a decision on a temporary replacement for the Canadian international.

It would make perfect sense in exploring options that are already available to us, as opposed to bringing in a new recruit when we have more important areas of the side to fill.

Raul Moro of Ajax competes for the ball with Anthony Ralston of Celtic FC during the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Tony Ralston, Reo Hatate and Arne Engels are all international players after all, whilst young Coby Donavan will be eager to make a name for himself, just as Kieran Tierney did when Ronny Deila gave him his chance and he grabbed it with both hands.

There’s no need to be looking elsewhere to solve the problem when the solution is staring us right in the face. And for all those who immediately jumped on Anthony Ralston’s back, that only makes it harder for the player to perform well. It’s NOT his fault Alistair Johnston got injured, or that Celtic see fit to have him as the back-up right back. That’s the club and/or the manager’s decision.

Anthony Ralston of Celtic celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 5-1 lead. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 12 April 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

What is clear is that Ralston or whoever else plays deserves our support. If it’s not looking good enough – especially if we make it through to the Champions League on Tuesday then Brendan may ask the board for a fifth incoming signing as he asked for a right back to go with a left back, two wingers and a striker.

Makes you wonder if he’ll get all of this as that’s how Celtic will stand their best chance of keeping him beyond May 2026.

15th December 2021; Victoria Park, Dingwall, Scotland, Scottish Premier league football, Ross County versus Celtic; Anthony Ralston of Celtic celebrates after he heads the winner for Celtic in the 97th minute making it 2-1 Photo Geo (The Celtic Star

Best of luck to whoever plays today at right back. It’s more than likely going to be Tony Ralston. Give the Bhoy all the support going. Games against teams like Livingston suit his game just fine.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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