Anthony Ralston is living the dream of every single Celtic supporter.

Having made his way through the academy to a first-team breakthrough in 2015, the boyhood fan is now a fully-fledged member of the senior squad for the second successive manager, following his reintroduction to proceedings by Ange Postecoglou.

Playing back-up to first choice right-back Alistair Johnston, the Scotland international has had an extended run in the team due to his teammate’s injury sustained in the recent victory over Hibernian at Easter Road.

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Despite competing with the Canada stalwart for that single position, Ralston insists the rivalry between the pair does not go that deep. He said: “These are just things in football. It is not meant in any sort of malicious way.

"We have got a very good relationship I support him, and he supports me. There is no sort of bad blood or anything like that. It is just what's best for the team and as long as the job is getting done for the team then that is the main thing. It's good to get a run of games. It's nice and why it's important to come in and do your work every day and that goes for everybody in the squad. As a squad, we do that.

"It's unfortunate for Ali (Johnston) and I wish him all the best. We have spoken about that between ourselves in private. I've always supported him whenever he is in the team, and he does the same for me. It's a good bond we have got in that sense.”

The 25-year-old has played in 14 games this season in all competitions, his lack of minutes down to Rodgers’ insistence on playing Johnston ahead of the academy graduate. Despite this, the reliable Ralston has remained positive on the situation, being ready for the next opportunity to come when it transpires, as it has done so presently. He said: “Everybody in football is going to have hard times throughout their career.”

“You are going to have moments. It is not always going to be plain sailing. It is important to be professional and come in and do your work. By coming in and doing your work every day then you know when the chance comes you can take it not only for yourself but most importantly the team.

“Thankfully, for the squad in general and myself, it is why we do it. That's why you can go in and do it and it is not such a big change. That's important.”

That pressure of being a Celtic player is not lost on Ralston, as the defender knows all about what it means to support the team as well as play for it. After all, it has been instilled in him from an early age, both from backing the team and going through the various stages of youth development to get to where he is at the moment. When asked about if he knew of the pressure that would be on his young shoulders, Ralston said: I was personally aware when I was younger.”

“Being at Celtic, you’re just expected to win, and as a fan, that’s what I personally want as well! It works both ways for me, it’s a strange one. Being a fan of the club, I’m no different to the other fans, I’m just lucky enough to play for Celtic and have somewhat more control over it. You put that to the side and you’re professional. It’s different in that sense, but it’s special in a way as well.

“I’m lucky in this position, from a personal level to play for this club that you support, taking on responsibilities and showing that fight and hunger.”

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As Celtic looks to make it three wins on the bounce against Kilmarnock, Ralston knows what is required to get the club to where it needs to be at the end of the season.

After all, the right-back is that supporter who got lucky, and who now represents the team he follows as his occupation. Living the dream, indeed!