ANTHONY RALSTON insists that the Celtic players will not be affected by the stoppages in play brought about by the introduction of VAR to the cinch Premiership.
The right-back played the full 113 minutes as the champions secured a thrilling 4-3 win over Hearts that – coupled with Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Livingston – opened up a four-point gap with their Glasgow rivals at the top of the table.
It was the first televised Scottish top-flight game where VAR was in use and its influence was felt on the match, with numerous big calls being given a second look by Steven McLean back at Clydesdale House.
The reviews resulted in lengthy delays on the park – an obvious hindrance for Celtic, who aim to have the ball in play for as long as possible and take set-pieces quickly – but Ralston is convinced his team-mates will adapt to their new reality with minimal fuss.
“Everything to do with that is outside noise to us,” he said. “It’s about focusing on the task at hand at all times.
“When the ball goes out for a throw-in, corner, VAR stoppage, whatever it may be, we stay 100 per cent committed and focused at all times.
“Personally, the stoppages don’t affect me. I think I can speak on behalf of the boys and say it won’t affect them either because we just have to stay 100 per cent focused at all times.
“It’s in the game now. It’s not something that’s going to change so we have to adapt to it and I don’t see it affecting us at all.”
