Anthony Ralston Commends Ben Doak’s “Excellent” Contribution to Scotland’s Victory

Ben Doak distinguished himself in Scotland’s recent triumph over a Croatia side reduced to ten players. Anthony Ralston lauded his former Celtic colleague, Ben Doak, for his “excellent” influence on Scotland’s performance, highlighting the teenager’s pivotal role in the nation’s late win against Croatia. With 86 minutes elapsed, the ten-man Croatian visitors appeared set to depart Hampden with a hard-earned point. However, a forceful run and shot from 19-year-old winger Doak created the opportunity for John McGinn to score the decisive goal. “He has done excellent on the wing,” Ralston commented regarding Doak, who is currently on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough from Liverpool. Ralston further explained the tactical approach against a team with fewer players: “I think when you play against 10 men, you just need to get your attackers on the ball as much as possible, move the ball quick and don’t dwell on it.” He continued, “We had a few [chances before the goal], but you just keep doing it, keep getting the ball wide and get [Doak] one-on-one. Then, thankfully, we got the goal.” Despite securing a much-needed victory that ended their prolonged winless streak, Ralston expressed his view that Scotland’s performance on the night could have been better. Nevertheless, the Celtic right-back, reflecting on what he described as an “unlucky” Nations League campaign, suggested that the team “deserved a bit of luck” in Friday’s win. “We’ve played better in other games, especially first half,” he added. “But when they went down to 10 men it was a different challenge.” Ralston concluded by prioritizing the outcome: “I’d much rather not play better and get the three points than play well and not get the three points.”