Ange Postecoglou is backing Anthony Ralston to fight his way back into the Scotland set up.
The Celtic right-back has been outstanding for the Aussie this term with a series of top-class performances.
Ralston’s form saw him win a debut for Steve Clarke ’s side in last November’s win over Denmark.
However, the defender was left out of the squad for the encounter with Poland at Hampden.
Ralston says he will get his head down and battle to return to Clarke’s thinking and Postecoglou believes in his 23-year-old’s ability to do it.
He said: “I think the fact some people are surprised he’s not been called up is a reflection on the way he’s been playing.
“If he keeps playing like he does, I’m sure he’ll get looked at and he’ll get the opportunity again.
“He’s come a long way this season. If you think about where he was at the start of the season, if you said in six months people will be disappointed he’s not been picked for the national team, you’d need to check yourself.
“It’s a credit to Tony. He’s worked awfully hard and taken every opportunity he’s had. He’s helped us as a team this season in getting us where we are.
“He just needs to keep doing that. This is his first full year at this club where he’s playing meaningful minutes.
“It’s a great foundation for him to improve and get better. If he does that I’m sure the opportunities will come around for him again.”
Despite the signing of Josip Juranovic for the right-back slot, Ralston has continued to play a big role in Celtic’s push for honours.
Some fans and observers felt the Scot’s top-team days would be vastly reduced when the Croat arrived and Greg Taylor returned to fitness after injury.
But Postecoglou added: “A lot of people think a lot of things, but it doesn’t really affect me.
“Tony has done well and he’ll continue to be a big part of things here.”
Meanwhile, Celtic are set to have 700 supporters in attendance at the clash against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday week after no away fans were present at any of the first two Premiership meetings of the season between the teams.
The club have made the briefs available for sale to the season holders who had been allocated tickets for the clash at Ibrox in March 2020 which was the first game to fall victim to the pandemic.
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