Celtic prospect Tony Ralston is praying that Scotland can make it to the World Cup in Russia next summer, because he might just have an outside chance of squeezing into the squad.

Ralston’s rapid rise since from a loan spell at Queen’s Park to getting game-time in the Celtic first-team this season was topped off last week as he got to train with Gordon Strachan’s side ahead of Friday’s game against Lithuania.

And as he prepared to take on The Netherlands tonight with Scotland Under-21, Ralston admitted that his progress in the last year has him dreaming of making the step up to the senior squad.

“We’re all in this youth set-up to get to that standard, to get into the Scotland senior team,” said Ralston.

“We all want, one day, to be part of that squad. 100 per cent, all the boys are here to get into that A squad. You can see by Friday’s performance how good a squad it is. And we’ll definitely take a lot of encouragement from the way they’ve been playing, going into tomorrow’s game and the rest of the campaign.

“It was a great experience for me [training with the senior squad], being around very experienced pros and training with a really good squad. It was great for me to test myself, to see if I can stay at that level and compete at that level. I took a lot from it. 

“A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined training with the Scotland team. It gives me a good confidence boost to know that the manager is even aware of me and wanted to bring me in.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’ve just got to keep working hard, keep my head down and see where it takes me.”

Ralston was undaunted by the task of taking on such seasoned professionals, and according to manager Grodon Strachan, the youngster acquitted himself well.

“I was up against Matt Phillips,” said Ralston. “He was a very good player. [Gordon Strachan] was very good with me when I came in. He was saying how I was doing well and to keep working hard. They were nice things for him to say and it gives me confidence. 

“He’s a very experienced manager and I learned a lot from him the two days I was in. I really enjoyed it.”

What may have helped Ralston to take the experience of training with Scotland’s top players in his stride is his daily experience of training and playing alongside his Celtic teammates.

His impressive displays so far this season when being called upon by Brendan Rodgers have also fueled his own self-belief that he can make the grade with both club and country.

“It puts you on such a high being involved at club level,” he said. “The games I’ve played in I’ve enjoyed them all. It makes you want to work harder getting a taste of it and you want more.

“I’m hoping I can get more game time under my belt.Scotland Under-21 coach Gemmill backed his young defender’s assessment of his chances of pushing his way into Strachan’s thoughts by next summer, just as the likes of Kieran Tierney managed before him.

“My involvement with the national youth teams have shown that of course it is possible,” he said. “Would anyone have predicted that these players were going to push through? 

“If you compare it to last year’s Under-21 players who started the campaign about how they were perceived with their clubs to where they are now 12 months later, all of a sudden those players started to become perceived as bigger players in Scottish football. 

“So why can’t we be optimistic in that regard? These young players have shown that at international level. Tony went to Toulon and has been great with his club. I think it’s achievable.”

Tickets for tonight’s match between Scotland and the Netherlands at the Paisley 2021 Stadium, kick-off 7.30pm, are £5 for adults and £2 for concessions and available at the gate.