NafisaCeltic may have finally reached a turning point under Martin O’Neill after their emphatic 7-1 demolition of Hearts, but while several players used the weekend to strengthen their positions, one familiar face was left watching from the sidelines.
The Hoops delivered a statement performance on Sunday, responding to a difficult spell that had brought growing scrutiny over O’Neill’s future. Consecutive defeats against Rangers and Benfica had intensified the pressure, leaving the manager needing a convincing response from his players.
They delivered it in spectacular fashion, moving four points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership and giving supporters something to celebrate after weeks of frustration.
Yet the result also raised questions about the futures of players struggling to get opportunities under the current manager.
One Celtic player, in particular, was conspicuous by his absence from the matchday squad. Despite his experience and long association with the club, he was overlooked as O’Neill turned to younger options for the important fixture.
And with his contract approaching its final months, the latest omission could have significant consequences for his future at Parkhead.
According to Football Insider correspondent Oliver Walton, Anthony Ralston’s absence from the squad against Hearts suggests that his Celtic career could be approaching its end.
O’Neill leaves Ralston out as Donovan continues to impress
Ralston was not included in Celtic’s matchday squad for the 7-1 victory, with O’Neill continuing to place his faith in youngster Colby Donovan at right-back.
Donovan has impressed during Alistair Johnston’s absence, and his performance against Hearts provided further evidence of why the manager has continued to trust him.
The young defender recorded 14 defensive contributions, the highest total of any player on the pitch, while also winning 10 duels.
His performance strengthened his case for retaining the position, particularly with Johnston still working towards a return to fitness.
However, Ralston’s omission was equally notable. Rather than selecting the experienced Scotland international as a replacement, O’Neill included Chelsea loanee Landon Emenalo in the matchday squad for the first time this season.
That decision has raised questions about where Ralston currently stands in the manager’s plans.
The 27-year-old has made just three substitute appearances during the campaign so far, with his last outing coming in Celtic’s 3-1 Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros on September 17.
With Johnston expected to return to contention before the end of October, opportunities could become even harder to find for Ralston.
Former Aberdeen chief questions Celtic’s treatment of Ralston
Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness has also expressed surprise at Ralston’s situation, suggesting that the defender could be frustrated by his lack of involvement.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Wyness questioned how Celtic had handled the situation, arguing that the timing was particularly difficult for a player approaching a potentially important contract decision.
He said: “I’m very surprised. I doubt Celtic said, well, you’re not going to be playing, you’re going to be here just for depth, but it’s another core example of how the board treat the people they love the most. It’s a very dysfunctional club at the moment.
“Ralston’s a perfect example of that. And I feel sorry for him. He’s in his prime chance to get one last contract, and he’s hardly had a minute this season. He’s a good player, and it just seems strange. He must be upset at not getting to play in that squad.”
Wyness’s comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding Ralston’s position at Celtic, although his suggestion that the defender must be unhappy is an assessment rather than confirmation of Ralston’s own feelings.
The situation is particularly significant because the right-back is approaching the final year of his contract, which is due to expire next May.
At 27, regular football could be important as he considers his longer-term future, whether that means fighting for his place at Celtic or exploring opportunities elsewhere.
Is Ralston heading towards the Celtic exit?
The latest omission has inevitably fuelled speculation that Ralston could leave Parkhead, especially if O’Neill continues to favour Donovan and other options in the coming weeks.
Celtic have benefited from Donovan’s emergence during Johnston’s absence, and the youngster’s form gives the manager a reason to maintain the current arrangement.
Ralston, meanwhile, faces the challenge of forcing his way back into contention. Without regular appearances, his opportunities to convince O’Neill of his value could become increasingly limited.
The defender has been part of Celtic’s setup for years, making his current situation a notable change from his previous involvement with the first team.
However, his absence from one matchday squad does not formally confirm that his career at the club is over. Celtic have yet to announce any decision regarding his contract, and the manager could still turn to him if circumstances change.
What is clear is that Ralston has ground to make up if he wants to become a regular option again.
With Johnston’s return approaching and Donovan continuing to impress, the competition at right-back is unlikely to become easier.
For now, Ralston’s future remains uncertain. But if the current pattern continues, the defender may have to consider whether his best chance of securing regular first-team football lies away from Celtic Park.
O’Neill’s 7-1 victory over Hearts has provided a welcome boost to Celtic’s title ambitions. For Ralston, however, the same afternoon may have brought another reminder that his place in the manager’s plans is far from guaranteed.
Nafisa
