Celtic brought finally brought their A game under Ange Postecoglou but Anthony Ralston reckons it was more like the A Team.
The Aussie boss could have done a Hannibal impression as he loves it when a plan comes together.
It’s been a brutal start for the new Hoops manager, being parachuted in to the club late while new signings were lagging behind.
He’s had to take a few early hits with the Champions League exit and the opening day defeat at Hearts.
But the hard work was being done behind the scenes to get the side to play in a certain way and Ralston saw it all click against Dundee yesterday.
The full back – who grabbed his second goal in three games in the 6-0 demolition job of the Dens men – is hoping it’s a sign of things to come as Celtic got their Premiership campaign up and running.
He said: “It was really good, it was a great feeling for all the boys. We’ve put a lot of work in over the pre-season, on the manager’s ideas of how he wants us to play.
“So it was great to see everything coming together today.
“The boys up front were brilliant and we were solid as a defensive unit. We were all really happy with the performance
“Everything clicked in to place. We’ve been working hard in training and analysing a lot on how we want to play. It’s just nice to go in to a game and put it all together.
“It’s important we kick on now and keep playing the right way with intent, as the results will come.
“The clean sheet was pleasing. We defended well as a back four and goalkeeper, but also as a team. The pressing front to back as a unit was brilliant and it’s important we keep that going in the future.”
It was another sweet moment for Ralston as well. The right back burst on to the scene under Brendan Rodgers as a teenager a few years ago but ended up in Siberia in recent seasons.
His return to the side this term has been seen as more of a stop gap until the reinforcements arrive and there have been times when he’s copped flak from some fans online as well.
But the 22-year-old kept the head down and his displays this term has seen him edge towards cult status with the punters.
Ralston never gives anything less than his absolute all for the side –and he’s been handed a tough gig with Postecoglou demanding his full backs play a part in the role inside as well as tearing up and down the flanks.
It’s hard graft but the youngster has never been scared of putting in a shift, even if he is surprising himself with a couple of goals in the last week with his weaker foot.
Ralston said: “I never thought my left foot was much use! I’m delighted to get another goal. The most important thing is contributing to the team.
“Hopefully I can continue.
“I’ve just had to stay focused when I’ve been out of the team and work hard behind the scenes to be as fit as possible, so when the chance came I was able to take it.
“I kept myself right and fortunately I have had the opportunity this season.
“I’m enjoying playing and being in the team. I just need to make sure I keep the right mindset in each game and in training.
“It’s a new role for me to play this way but I’m really enjoying it. It’s a free role to get inside and get on the ball and be involved.
“I’m just trying to perform the best I can and doing what the manager is telling me to do.”
It worked a treat yesterday. Ralston did well but there was no doubt who stole the show. Kyogo Furuhashi’s hat trick on his home debut had punters purring and he’s been tipped to be a huge hit at Parkhead.
Ralston said: “He’s a great guy. He doesn’t speak much English but he really makes an effort with all the boys and gets on with everyone.
“He was terrific. I was delighted for him to get his hat trick. His movement and finishing was absolutely outstanding. He was a big help for the boys up there.
“He’s set a high bar but he’s obviously a top talent. We’re delighted to bring him in and we all saw today what he’ll bring to the team.”
Ralston knows Celtic can’t afford to sit back and take the plaudits after one Sunday stroll in the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops are back in business in the Europa League qualifiers on Thursday with Jablonec in town for the second leg.
Postecoglou’s side have one foot in the play-off stage after last week’s 4-2 win in the Czech Republic but this is no time to be taking the foot off the gas.
Ralston said: “It’s another big game on Thursday so it’s important to go in with the right mindset and get the job done.”
