Celtic Ready To Cut Ties With This Defender: Should O’Neill Allow January Exit?

Celtic Ready To Cut Ties With This Defender: Should O’Neill Allow January Exit? Celtic’s right-back options have changed considerably under Martin O’Neill, with Alistair Johnston still the first choice and summer arrival Jordan Lotomba providing cover when required. That leaves little room for Anthony Ralston, who has spent much of the 2026/27 campaign watching from the sidelines despite his long service at Parkhead. Johnston remains Celtic’s preferred option and has a contract until 2029, while Lotomba joined Feyenoord on a short-term deal running through the season. Academy product Colby Donovan offers another option and has committed his future until 2031. With three players ahead of him, Ralston faces little prospect of regular football. Celtic ’s defensive problems have made the situation more pressing. O’Neill’s side have lost six of their last ten matches and conceded 17 goals across nine recent fixtures, while their European campaign ended in a damaging qualification failure against LASK. The centre of defence has become a more pressing concern, leaving little reason for Celtic to add another full-back during January. Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider reports that Celtic are ready to accelerate Ralston’s departure in January if concrete interest arrives. The 27-year-old has not played a Scottish Premiership minute this season and has managed only 47 minutes in late European appearances. His contract expires next summer, making a free transfer a straightforward option, but both player and club are open to an earlier split. Ralston has been part of Celtic’s senior squad since 2015 and previously featured regularly for Scotland. However, the absence of club minutes cost him his place in the national setup, with Sebastien Pocognoli leaving him out in September. Regular football elsewhere would give the right-back a chance to revive those international ambitions. Should Celtic allow Ralston to leave in January? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 25: Anthony Ralston of Celtic is challenged by Ethan Ross of Falkirk during the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images) From a boardroom perspective, a winter exit makes sense if a suitable offer or agreement emerges. Keeping a frustrated third-choice defender for six more months offers limited sporting value, particularly when Celtic already have cover. The club could also remove the remaining salary commitment early. An early departure would also help Celtic redirect resources towards the centre-back O’Neill needs. Their recent defensive record makes that recruitment far more urgent than retaining surplus right-back cover. Ralston deserves respect for his years at the club, yet loyalty cannot guarantee minutes. If concrete interest arrives, Celtic should allow him to leave and give him the chance to rebuild his career rather than keep a Scotland hopeful watching from the stands.