Celtic: Anthony Ralston on his improvement over the best

Celtic defender Anthony Ralston will relish testing himself against one of the world’s best international sides when Scotland face Croatia on Saturday.

Ralston is expected to be selected at right back by Steve Clarke for the Nations League match in Zagreb.

Although the 25-year-old knows he will likely be under pressure during the match, he believes it is those moments that improve him as a player.

“They are the teams and players you want to play against in your career, you always want to test yourself at the highest level,” he said.

“It’s something I personally enjoy doing. It can be difficult, but I like the challenge of playing against the best opponents, it will only make me better.

“You learn things, it will never be perfect, but from a defender’s perspective I want to come across wingers and strikers of this level. I want to enjoy it and learn from it.”

Ralston has largely been Alistair Johnston’s back-up at Celtic but has become a regular for Scotland following injuries to Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson.

“You never want players to get hurt or injured, but it opens up opportunities for other players to come in and get an opportunity,” he said.

“It’s about staying professional at club level, so if these times arise at club or country level, I’m ready to do the work for both.”