ANTHONY Ralston’s time at Celtic appeared to be in danger of being remembered for not much more than laughing in the face of Paris Saint Germain superstar Neymar, but having forced his way back into the Celtic Park reckoning, he says he is now hungrier than ever to cement a regular place in the team.

The young right-back has been impressive in the matches against Motherwell and Dundee over the last few days, scoring against the Steelmen in midweek and coming agonisingly close to getting on the scoresheet again on Saturday.

After a loan spell at Dundee United last season, he has put himself right back in the Celtic first-team picture, and he says it is all down to hard work.

“It just makes you more hungry when you are out the team,” Ralston said.

“It keeps you driving on, trying to impress the manager, because that’s what it’s about. That’s what football is about – you have to stay strong, and have a strong mentality, and that’s what this team has got.

“I’ve just kept my head down, I’ve kept working away, and I’ll continue to do that.

“It was tough being out of the squad, because you always want to play football. But that’s the way it is. “I’ve just come in every day and worked hard and hopefully things go for you.

“I’ve had a hunger to get back out and play for Celtic. I’ve got a good family and good friends around me, to help keep my mentality going.

“It’s not easy at times but you just need to keep working hard. Everyone is in the same boat in that regard – if you keep going in and working hard, then you’ll get your rewards.

“It’s about keeping your belief up in training. So, if you go in and put the work it, the rewards will come.

He continued: “It’s been great, I’ve enjoyed it being back out in front of the fans. It’s great getting the opportunity, and I’ve been hard at work. Also, the boys have been in such good form. The boys were terrific again [on Saturday], it’s another great result, so now we have to kick on.

“We’ve got some big games coming up.”