ANTHONY RALSTON insists he is ready to be thrust into action for Scotland against Ukraine if Aaron Hickey fails to brush off an injury problem.
The former Hearts full-back was replaced by Ralston during Saturday's win over Ireland and Steve Clarke confirmed after the game that he felt tightness and was substituted as a precaution.
Ralston made a positive impact when he was introduced and as he helped his teammates to see out the tightly contested Nations League clash to ensure three points were bagged.
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s clash against Ukraine in Krakow, the Celtic defender said: “We will just need see how things develop, but we will all be ready as a squad.
“We will be expecting another tough game. They always do bring that. It will just be the same as what we have been doing in the past few games.
“We will all just need to recover. It is a quick turnaround and there are a lot of games in quick succession so we need to be ready.
“It is just about gaining experience. I have been fortunate enough to play for my country before and that helped me on Saturday night when I came on. Everybody just needs to stay together and go in the right direction.
“You just have to believe in yourself. That is important in your football career, regardless of what level you are at.
“You need to believe you can play. That is important for everyone who is involved.”
On the sense of belief in the squad, Ralston added: “We are together as a squad, we are working hard in training, even the boys who haven’t been involved in the first couple of matches.
“The training sessions have been good. That is what you have to do – be ready to go in if required. We are strong as a squad, the strength in depth is brilliant.
“We are all in a good place as a squad, but we need to continue to go that way.”
