Anthony Ralston set his highest-ever benchmarks to forge a way onto Ange Postecoglou ’s title-winning juggernaut.
Now the Celtic star knows he’ll need to go up the levels again as the boss vows the champions will return even bigger and better for their championship defence.
Ralston did himself proud with a magnificent campaign under Postecoglou.
Such was the full-back’s excellent form, he won a new contract and also made a senior debut for Scotland on his way to helping the squad bag Premier Sports Cup and Premiership medals.
Ralston has scaled peaks, but knows it never stops at Celtic and he’ll have to go again next term with just as much verve when it restarts.
He said: “It’s been a terrific season for all of us, but it will be good to recharge and get us refuelled to go again for another long season. I’ve loved it.
“I think the potential for this team goes beyond where we’re at just now. We’ve got other levels to go and I feel it’s been a terrific season.
“But we’ll be looking to come back bigger and better and be stronger next season. That’s definitely our aim.
“From a personal level, it’s been an amazing season. I’m proud of some of the things I’ve achieved.
“But I never really look at myself, it’s always from a team perspective.
“If, though, I ever take time to myself, it’s obviously from where I was last season, not being involved as much, to where I am just now.
“I’ve worked so hard to get myself in this position, so I’m delighted. Even when things weren’t in my favour last season, I always kept my head down and worked just as hard.
“I was always focused on working hard in training, so when the chance came I was ready to take it. That was always my mindset. So I made sure that happened.
“Obviously, though, the gaffer’s come in and given me my opportunity which I am very thankful for.
“He believed in me, gave me that confidence to go in and play and now I’m in the current position.
“And, obviously, the way he’s implemented the style of play on a full-back. He’s coached me to learn the new role, so a lot of credit needs to go his way.
“It’s been new for me and I’ve just tried to embrace it, listen and learn.
“He’s a terrific manager and I’ve managed to benefit from that and work hard to get myself to this position. “I’m happy where I’m at. There’s been seasons gone by when special things have happened and I’ve been part of it.
“I guess this season I’ve certainly played more of a part and you do get that feeling you’ve really contributed to something special. For sure, it’s been immensely satisfying.”
When Josip Juranovic arrived at the club from Legia Warsaw, the Croatian international looked poised to take the spot Ralston had fought to earn.
But the pair shared the responsibility for large chunks and the Scot says they work together as a team as opposed to rivals for a position.
Ralston explained: “Me and Josip’s relationship is brilliant, both on and off the park.
“If Josip’s in and playing then I’m there fully supporting him through every game and I want the best for him.
“If I’m in and playing then he does the exact same for me. He encourages me.
“We speak through things, we’ve both been asked to play a different role. We’ve got a friendly relationship off the park. We get on very well.
“So, of course, it’s a healthy competitive nature. But at the same time we’re very much supporting each other to do the best for the team.”
Ralston, of course, may not yet be finished for the season.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke has yet to name his squad for next month’s international programme which includes five games.
Ralston, who earned a first cap against Denmark last November, said: “For every player, that’s something that’s a landmark in their career they want to hit.
“I’m delighted I was able to. It’s maybe something that last season I didn’t think would come around.
“There’s been many things and now I’m looking forward to the summer.
“Maybe there will be the opportunity to go away with my country again which would be something I’ve worked hard to get. There’s a lot going on.
“Maybe when I get a bit of time it will be something I’ll be able to look back on and reflect.
“If I go away with Scotland, then we’ll get extra time when we return.”
Even if he doesn’t get the international nod, there is, as he suggests, plenty going on with a return to the group stages of the Champions League in the autumn a golden prospect for Postecoglou’s newly-established group.
Ralston said: “That’s something all the boys will be looking forward to. To play European football, that’s where the club wants to be.
“We want to do it domestically, but Europe’s also very important and there’s no bigger stage than the Champions League. That’s something we’ll all look forward to.”
