Celtic given transfer prediction over star who has barely featured of late

28 Oct 2026 14:08 GMT
2 min read

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Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew “imagines” Anthony Ralston will leave the club after falling out of favour under Martin O’Neill.

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Ralston emerged through the Bhoys’ youth academy in May 2016, making his senior debut in a 2-1 loss at St. Johnstone in the Premiership.

The 27-year-old has gone on to make 161 appearances for Celtic, recording 10 goals and 20 assists in 164 appearances for the Scottish heavyweights.

However, Ralston has slipped down the pecking order this season, making three appearances as a substitute under manager O’Neill.

He has been frozen out following the emergence of young right-back Colby Donovan, who extended his contract until 2031 on Monday.

And now Mulgrew expects Ralston will leave Celtic either in the January transfer window or when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Mulgrew told Go Radio: “I would imagine that Ralston will move on either in January or in the summer window based on that.

“But fair play to Donovan. He has a long way to go in terms of learning and understanding the game, but he’ll get there.”

Mulgrew full of praise for Donovan

Like Ralston, Donovan is a product of the Celtic youth system and has been an ever-present for the Glasgow giants this season.

The 20-year-old has helped Celtic keep six clean sheets this term, with O’Neill’s men currently top of the Premiership on 27 points.

✍️ Colby signs a new long-term deal!
We are delighted to announce that Colby Donovan has signed a new long-term deal which will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2031 💚
#Donovan2031 | #CelticFC🍀 https://t.co/YFVGTbGo8k
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 26, 2026

Donovan earned his first senior call up for the Scotland national team in September and was an unused substitute for the 2-0 win at North Macedonia this month.

Speaking specifically about Donovan’s new contract, Mulgrew added: “He has earned it. He has shown a great desire to be a Celtic player.

“He was third choice right-back at one point, and now he has stepped up from nowhere. He’ll now be getting wages that he deserves.”

Mulgrew represented Celtic between 2010 and 2016, making 207 appearances and winning seven honours including five Premiership titles.

O’Neill’s Celtic are looking to make it four league wins in a row when they entertain Dundee United at Parkhead this evening.