Anthony Ralston, the young Celtic right back, is aiming to achieve distinction with his country following his breakthrough at his club. Ralston wants to help Scotland to a first semi-final in the Toulon Tournament for 22 years just a month after Brendan Rodgers gave him his first start with the league champions.
The young Scots, fresh from having beaten Brazil for the first time at any level on Saturday, face Indonesia today in Vitroiles. Intriguingly, a win for Scotland could clinch them the best runners-up spot that would seal a semi-final place, almost certainly against England on Thursday.
It would top off an incredible few weeks for 18-year-old Ralston. He made his first start for Celtic against St Johnstone last month, and followed it up by helping Scot Gemmill’s side defeat Brazil in the south of France.
Ralston said: “It’s been the stuff of dreams. I’ve been a Celtic fan all my life so that [his first start] was amazing. The manager has been outstanding. He’s changed me as a player and given me a great deal of confidence.
“We were buzzing after the Brazil game. I had friends and family getting in contact to congratulate me and I’m sure it was the same for the rest of the boys. We could also see from social media how proud everyone was back home.”
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Gemmill, who says there is a doubt over ankle knock victim Oliver Burke, has warned his youngsters to treat Indonesia seriously. He said: “You can see from their first two games that Indonesia are organised. But I am confident if we can get our performance correct, we can win.”