CELTIC right-back Anthony Ralston admits he was a little shocked to have missed out on the latest Scotland squad, feeling he had done enough in his club performances to merit a call-up from Steve Clarke.

Ralston was included in Clarke’s last squad for the games against Moldova and Denmark, getting his first cap for Scotland as a late substitute in the 2-0 win over the Danes at Hampden.

Since then, Ralston has maintained his impressive form at club level, helping Celtic to open up a three-point gap on Rangers at the top of the league and doing enough to hold down a regular spot in Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI.

He has been overlooked for tonight’s game against Poland and next week’s friendly against either Austria or Wales though, with Clarke preferring Motherwell’s Stephen O’Donnell and Everton’s Nathan Patterson at right-back, and Ralston concedes he was surprised to be snubbed.

“I was a little bit,” Ralston said. “I feel that I have done well through the course of the season.

“I would have liked to have been involved in the squad but it is not to be at the minute.

“My main aim is to do my bit for Celtic and hopefully in time I will get that international recognition.

“These things are out of my control. The only thing in my control is my performances and my hard work.”

Ralston meanwhile was pleased to hear that Celtic supporters will be present for next week’s trip across Glasgow to face Rangers, even though he would like to see a return to the previous arrangement where up to 10,000 visiting fans were given entry to Ibrox.

“I would like to see as many as possible,” he said. “The way it used to be was brilliant.

“If that is not going to be the case we just have to take what we can get. It will be good to get any support we can. “

While disappointed with his omission from the international squad, Ralston says he has never felt more a part of things at Celtic, with his 40 appearances in all competitions already making this the best season of his career.

“It is the most I have ever played and I have loved every minute of it,” he said.

“It has been great to be a part of the team but it is important to keep kicking on.

“Hopefully I can add a few more games to that between now and end of the season.

“I have been involved with the first team for a few years and seen all the success they've had. I have played some part in that but this one does feel different.

“Naturally that is due to the number of games I’ve played compared to previous seasons.

“Hopefully, more success can come and I can also be a part of that.

“The important thing is we get that success, regardless of who is playing.

“There is a lot at stake and it is exciting for us all. We are looking forward to getting on with it because we are in a good place.

“It is important we stay calm, don't get too far ahead of ourselves and take each game as it comes. “