Ange Postecoglou has confirmed our story on Friday that the club are in discussions with Anthony Ralston over a new contract while confirming that Portuguese winger Jota has found a new home in Paradise after enduring a difficult loan period in Spanish football last season.
Celtic interim chief executive Michael Nicholson (centre) is handling the contract extension details for Anthony Ralston. Photo: Jeff Holmes
“In terms of Tony, Michael Nicholson is in charge of that area. My focus is trying to make sure that Anthony continues his development because he’s been fantastic,” Ange said to the Mainstream Media as reported by Daily Record. “Contract negotiations will take care of themselves. There’s very little need to feel angst about it.”
Postecoglou talked up his first choice right-back who contributed a vital assist for Giorgos Giakoumakis opener yesterday against St Johnstone, the first goal of many likely to follow from the impressive Greece international striker.
Anthony Ralston of Celtic clashes with Samy Mmaee of Ferencvaros TC . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“The club has a lot of faith in Tony. That’s why they gave him a new contract before I even started here,” Ange said, “I gave him a chance and you’d have to say he’s grabbed it with both hands so far.”
On Jota, who was awarded the Man of the Match yesterday despite having one of his quieter games – whisper it, I’d have given it to Ralston or maybe Carl Starfelt – Ange’s update on him is just as encouraging.
“With Jota and the details of the loan deal, there is an option there for us,” the Celtic manager confirmed. “He loves playing at this club, in front of 55,000 at Celtic Park and the challenges that come with that,” the Celtic manager added.
Celtic’s two goal scorers Jota and Kyoto Furuhhashi are seen at full time during the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie Stadium on 3 October, 2021.(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“The decision on his future, there’s no rush with it. Firstly, it’s about the priorities for the club and then the player. This was an important move for him. He’d already had a loan in Spain that didn’t really work out.
Why wouldn’t he want to stay? He’s running out in front of 55,000 people, scoring goals, putting on worldie assists, so he should be feeling pretty good about life. He had a tough time in Spain so he understands he’s in a good place now.”
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