Ralston’s critics might not like it, but he’s now Scotland’s first choice right back.

I know his critics don’t like to admit it, but Tony Ralston is a very good right-back. The only reason he doesn’t play every week at Celtic is that Alistair Johnston is an even better right-back. That’s not a reflection on Ralston as a player; it’s simply an acknowledgment that the club has someone exceptional in that position. Last night, Ralston surpassed the minutes he’s played for Celtic this season with the time he’s spent on the pitch for Scotland.

This highlights just how much Scotland has come to depend on him. Ralston is now a stalwart of the national side, even if he isn’t a first-choice starter for his club. While there’s been some wailing and whinging from those who believe Michael Devlin—or someone else—should get the nod, it’s clear the right-back spot firmly belongs to Ralston. It will be incredibly difficult for anyone to take it from him.

Ralston is now Scotland’s first pick at right-back, and he’s proven he deserves that status. Of course, there are those with Ibrox sympathies who would love to see him supplanted by someone like Nathan Patterson, but Ralston has shown he’s more than up to the task—and not just capable but excelling.

He’s a tough competitor and “Mr Dependable.” As I’ve said before, he’s a good soldier—hardworking, humble, and reliable. When called upon, he steps in and performs admirably. He’s a huge asset to Celtic, and now he’s proving to be an equally important asset to his country. Naturally, this doesn’t sit well with one or two media figures, who always seem eager to scapegoat a Celtic player whenever Scotland struggles. Ralston has been one of their favourite targets. It’s amusing to see how quick they are to heap praise on John Souttar while remaining reluctant to give Ralston his due. Well, tough luck—because Ralston is here to stay.

It would be an incredible act of bad faith for the national coach to drop Ralston from the team now. He’s stepped up when needed and has helped steady Scotland’s performances. While I haven’t changed my opinion of Steve Clarke—I still think he’s a failed Scotland boss who should be replaced—Ralston’s displays are one of the reasons Clarke hasn’t been sacked. In fact, they’ve been a significant factor in keeping Clarke in the job.

Clarke is known for his loyalty to players, and while this trait has often worked against him, his faith in Ralston has been fully justified. He should stick with him, because Ralston will continue to deliver for Scotland and enhance his reputation in the process.

Ralston will undoubtedly finish the season with more minutes for Celtic than for Scotland because he remains a key member of the squad. The challenge is that he’s competing with the best right-back Celtic has had in years. Johnston’s dependability and resilience make him nearly impossible to displace, and with him being groomed as the next club captain, the odds are stacked against Ralston.

But that’s what makes Ralston a great professional. He’s always ready to step in when needed, and that’s why Rodgers values him so highly. Celtic’s faith in him is clear; the new contract he signed in September, which runs until 2027, is proof of that loyalty and belief in his abilities.

Despite the media criticism, Ralston has now become the established right-back for the Scottish national team. That benefits him, and it benefits Celtic. No doubt the cynics will continue to target him, but he doesn’t care—and he never has. Ralston has faced his share of doubters within the Celtic support over the years, but he’s never let it affect him. Over the last two games for Scotland, he’s shown exactly what he’s made of.

And it’s what many Celtic fans have known all along.