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Personal
Fullname: Stephen Welsh
aka: –
Born: 19 Jan 2000
Birthplace: Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire
Signed: 1 May 2019 (from youth)
Left: –
Position: Defender, Centre-Half & Right-back
Debut: Hamilton 1-4 Celtic, SP, 20 Feb 2020
Squad No.: 57
Internationals: ? [which international team played for]
International Caps: ? [complete at end of career]
International Goals: ? [complete at end of career]
Biog
When Stephen Welsh was announced in the starting line-up for his debut, the unanimous response across the Celtic support was ‘Who?’. His first team debut came out of the blue and many were scratching their heads over this new starter.
Stephen Welsh had been part of the Celtic youth system and was recalled from Morton on loan back to Celtic on the back of some fine form there. Admittedly his name had gone under the radar, and there were others like El Hamed (injured) and loanee Moritz Bauer (bench) ahead of him in the queue for regular first team places.
His debut match was an away league match v Hamilton, most notable for that it was on World Palindrome Day (02/02/2020), somewhat appropriate for this 20 year old born in the year 2000. Celtic won 4-1 in what was actually a very uncomfortable performance for the First Team despite the scoreline, but many thought Stephen Welsh had a fine debut and helped Celtic stretch a lead over Sevco in the league challenge for a record equalling nine league titles in a row. Some felt that he surprisingly dealt with the direct and physical approach of Hamilton more comfortably than even his far more experienced defensive colleagues.
Brought in out of the blue due to injuries/covid situation in October 2020, in a demoralising 2-0 defeat to Sevco in the league. He was a very surprising starter for the match, but despite the result he did his best and wasn’t a fault in the side that day. It was a shambles of a season, and for any young player there was little opportunities given in a demoralised squad with Celtic squandering the challenge for the title to win ten league titles in a row. Shane Duffy and Ajer were the mainstays, with Bitton next in line, which was heavily criticised as all three had not convinced in the season, especially expensive loanee Duffy.
With a demoralised squad, he deserved more chances, and there was criticism when Welsh was dropped after one game only for Bitton to be brought back when 13 players were covid-isolated. The defence was a shambles, Welsh deserved better treatment, but had to be patient and was soon back in the side.
After a 4-0 win over Kilmarnock in Feb 2021, there was a call for Welsh to remain in place of Shane Duffy in the centre of defence. Shane Duffy had been poor overall, and there were positive impressions of Welsh and many thought it was better to risk giving Welsh experience as the league race was already over and all knew that Duffy had no future at Celtic. He was probably the only Celtic youth player who was progressed in this Lennon era, with a large number bailing out due to poaching or fed up with the then poor environment at Celtic.
He repaid the faith quickly, scoring his debut goal on 6th February 2021 v Motherwell at an empty covid impacted Celtic Park. His stature was growing, and reputation was increasing, and he followed this up with further goals and strong performances. Admittedly some felt he needed to bulk up and so on, but he was on the right tracks.
Ange Postecoglou era (2021-2023)
With the new era under Ange Postecoglu, Welsh had to prove himself again, and clearly the new manager had some confidence in the young player.
He was a regular player in season 2021/22 as Celtic won the double of league & league cup, but Welsh had to bide his time. He was though behind in the queue of Starfelt & Carter-Vickers who had created a solid central defence. Nevertheless, Welsh had to be patient, but still marked his season with a debut league & European competition goal (both 3-2 victories over Hearts & Real Betis).
As a measure of his development, Italian Serie A club Udinese came in with an offer for a loan plus option to convert to permanent. Impressive as it looked for Welsh (and it was a measure of his development), Udinese are 14th in Serie A in a 30k stadium. It would be like moving to say, Watford or Norwich down south. Toulouse then came in similarly and again were rebuffed showing confidence in him by the management despite the arrival of loanee Jenz.
He had to be patient but the competition was tough going. Kobayashi was brought in, but then when Moritz Jenz’s loan was cut early it gave Welsh a further chance when there were reports of a move away.
He was being given little opportunity in season 2022/23 even when Carter-Vickers was out for surgery, with even midfielder Iwata played out of position as a central defender! It wasn’t confidence inducing to Welsh’s long-term opportunities at Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers (second stint) era (2023 onwards)
[…]
Quotes
“Unforgettable day making my debut, and a great win as well”
Stephen Welsh his debut (Feb 2020)
“Celtic is the only club you want to play for as a kid, especially being a fan, that’s the dream to go and play.”
Stephen Welsh (Aug 2023)
[….]
Playing Career
[Table to indicate clubs played for, including dates, transfers and fees where known [e.g. soccerbase table]]
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
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| 2020-21 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| 2021-22 | |||||
| Goals | |||||
| 2022-23 | |||||
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| Goals |
Honours with Celtic
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Pictures
Articles
- […]
KDS
Media
- Twitter: @stephen_welsh17
Links
- Any External or internal links where the reader can find out more
Articles
VideoCelts
https://videocelts.com/2018/03/blogs/younghoops/stephen-welsh-signs-new-celtic-contract/#.Xjb-8B071JY.twitter
Date: 14th March 2018 at 12:05pm
Written by: Joe McHugh
Celtic have announced that Stephen Welsh has signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2020- that’ll be 12 years with Celtic! Just like Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor and James Forrest the Coatbridge bhoy has been at Celtic for the majority of his life.. Welsh has been a regular in the Celtic Development League side this season and although there has been a few sore results recently there is no doubting his progress. Playing against Mark O’Hara, Alex Harris and Rory Loy of Falkirk gives a welcome if challenging contrast to the regular opponents that the young Celts face. Welsh spent two seasons with the Celtic u-17 side, twice winning the title and Glasgow Cup before stepping up into the Development League. Playing as a sweeper he understands the basics of defending, positions himself well and is confident pressing forward without feeling obliged to ping Beckenbauer passes around for show. After turning 18 in January his progress has been recognised by a new contract with scouts and agents forever trawling for young talent.
Like a number of his team-mates he has been involved in first team training sessions, if the Premiership is clinched with time to spare it wouldn’t be a surprise if Welsh and Kerr McInroy were given a taste of first team football before the end of the season.
Celtic View Interview: Stephen Welsh hungry for more opportunities
http://www.celticfc.net/news/18365
By: Tony Connelly on 29 Jul, 2020 11:01
Tweet
THE entire Celtic team were disappointed by the abrupt end to last season, none more so than Stephen Welsh who had made his first-team debut in February and was hoping for more playing time during the remainder of the campaign.
After making his first-team debut on February 2 in Celtic’s 4-1 away win to Hamilton Celtic’s latest Academy graduate had ambitions of further playing time before they were dashed when the season was brought to an abrupt halt in March.
That breakthrough came on February 2 in Celtic’s 4-1 away win to Hamilton Accies, and the central defender impressed in his first outing. Now, having enjoyed pre-season with Neil Lennon’s first-team squad, the 20-year-old is looking forward to the competitive football starting and is ready to play his part as and when required.
“This was the third pre-season I’ve been on with the first-team and the biggest difference this year has been the level of opposition we’ve played,” said Welsh in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View. “Usually we’ll play a few local, lower level teams in Austria but this summer we were facing Champions League sides like Lyon and PSG.
“That’s what we need going into this season. They were preparing for Champions League games and cup games so they were around the same stage of preseason as us. I felt we did okay in the games, especially younger boys like myself. I thought everyone handled it really well.”
Welsh believes the experience of playing against such high-level opposition in pre-season will be hugely beneficial for his development, and he is hopeful that it will help him chase down his goals this season.
“We’ll learn more in that 60 minutes against opposition like that than we would two or three games against opposition teams,” said Welsh. “I feel a lot more comfortable in and around the players because I’ve been involved with the first team for a couple of years now. That time around them means you become familiar with the expectations on and off the pitch. It’s about working hard every day.
“The expectation at the club is absolutely massive. I’ve been here since I was eight-years-old so I’m aware of the standards and the targets which is three points in every game. That’s what it’s all about at a top club like Celtic.”
Who is Stephen Welsh and how did Celtic boss Neil Lennon rate his debut?
The 20-year-old was handed a start by Lennon in the 4-1 win over Hamilton with Jozo Simunovic out injured.
ByMark McDougall
21:39, 2 FEB 2020Updated06:45, 3 FEB 2020
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-stephen-welsh-celtic-youngster-21414230
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Neil Lennon named Stephen Welsh in his Celtic team to face Hamilton to give the youngster a huge chance.
It’s a Celtic debut after he was recalled from a loan spell at Morton where he made 18 appearances this season.
He was a regular starter for David Hopkin’s side during the first half of the season and was rarely taken off during that time either.
Welsh played 76 minutes during the games before being replaced by Tom Rogic but he impressed during the game.
But who is he and where does he play? Record Sport Online take a look at Welsh.
Position
Welsh is a centre back and has previously played for Celtic in pre-season friendlies but this is a competitive debut for the youngster.
The 20-year-old played right back often during his loan spell and that left the Hoops frustrated with the club viewing him as a centre back in the long term.
(Image: SNS Group)
And it’s as part of a back three that he got his opportunity on the right of that trio alongside Kristoffer Ajer and Christopher Jullien for Lennon’s side.
Strengths
Welsh’s best asset is the ability to read the game, but is also very assured and composed when he’s on the ball.
He has all the attributes to be a very good defender and getting his opportunity here should be a big help.
Celtic FC news
International honours
He’s played for Scotland at U17 and U19 level with 21 caps overall at both age groups.
Welsh is clearly well though of within the club and on the international stage and is expected to step up to U21 level with Scotland in the near future.
(Image: SNS Group)
What has he said?
While Welsh was playing out of position at times for Morton, he did play in a back three at times and he admitted that he was happy to get an opportunity to play anywhere.
It’s clearly a good attitude as he’s looking to get a big role at the Hoops over the next few years.
He said: “I don’t mind where it is as long as I can keep learning and playing, right-back or centre-back.
“I’m happy to play anywhere because it will make me a more versatile player for the future and it can be something I have up my sleeve when I go back to Celtic.
“A run in the team in the middle would be good though, especially here with two home games coming up.
(Image: SNS Group)
What did Neil Lennon say about his debut?
“Stephen Welsh was excellent and he can be proud because he was faultless.
“It gives me food for thought going forwards.
“We’ve got a big February. It’s good having bodies back slowly but surely.
Celtic youngster Stephen Welsh backs club’s “serial winners” to recover from desperate derby lossThere was only one crumb of comfort for Celtic in their dismal derby defeat.
By Andrew Smith
Monday, 19th October 2020, 7:00 am
A second senior appearance for 20-year-old centre-back Stephen Welsh suggested – just as with his first at Hamilton in February – that the Coatbridger has a real chance to make the grade. It must be said that the standard of play from Neil Lennon’s side was so poor it would have been a real issue for Welsh if he had stood-out as failing to match those around him in home colours.
Yet, in a side so patchwork it was about as unified as one of those massive charity quilts, the youngster did well to stitch together a largely error-free afternoon – unlikely his experienced back-three counterparts Shane Duffy and Kristoffer Ajer. Welsh was perhaps guilty of ball watching and remaining too static as Connor Goldson slipped between him and Duffy to be given two opportunities to bundle in his 52nd minute second that resulted in Neil Lennon’s men appearing to give up the ghost. Welsh accepts such a capitulation was unacceptable. He understands the hysteria that has witnessed Steven Gerrard’s men being handed the title for establishing a four-point lead having played a game more than their rivals has to be railed against too.
“It was a big day for me, but all that mattered was to go and win. I’m just gutted we didn’t do it,” he said. “At 1-0 down, this team can score goals. You have the belief that we can score, but we didn’t create as many chances as we would have liked to do. I don’t think their goalkeeper really had a save to make, so that is disappointing and so were the goals we lost. We need to work on that defensively. We were adamant we could not concede from a set piece, so that was really disappointing [to do that in nine minutes].
“But there are serial winners in that changing room. So I have no problem with that. It is still early in the season and it is one result. Anything can change. You saw it last season and have seen in other seasons when we have won all these trophies. Everyone gets beaten. You cannot go through a full season and not lose. It happens. It’s really disappointing, but we have so many big games to come. We just need to bounce back and there is nothing better than a game against AC Milan [in the Europa League on Thursday]. Then there’s the Scottish Cup [against Aberdeen after the trip to Pittdorie next Sunday]. There are so many.”
With Nir Bitton and Hatem Elahamed still recovering from Covid-19 and the club yet to resolve the back issues afflicting Christopher Jullien, Welsh could easily follow-up his derby debut with his first appearance on the European stage. “We’ll see,” he said. “AC Milan is another great test. The Rangers match was only my second game, so to play against AC Milan for my third would be a good test, but you never know until the team gets announced. These are the games you want to be playing in as a kid, so you might as well play in them right from the start and that’s it. It’s experience.” And in football, that can be bittersweet.
Celtic star in ‘what this club is all about’ message and the 15-year-old Champions League dream
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-star-in-what-this-club-is-all-about-message-and-the-15-year-old-champions-league-dream-3873131
Three words uttered by Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou were inscribed onto the club’s Scottish Premiership win last season as they took the title back from rivals Rangers.
By Joel Sked
Sunday, 9th October 2022, 10:30 pm
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HAVE YOUR SAY
“We never stop”.
It was the message then and it remains the message to his Celtic players, as evidenced on Saturday. Despite conceding a 93rd-minute equaliser to St Johnstone, the champions went up the pitch to score an even later winner, Georgios Giakoumakis converting an Alexandro Bernabei cross.
“That is what this club is all about,” a visibly elated Stephen Welsh said at the side of the McDiarmid Park pitch after the game.
“As the manager said, we keep going, we never stop. We suffered a setback late on, but we kept going, we kept pursuing and Berna has done brilliantly down the left wing and thankfully that one has gone in.”
The ‘we don’t stop’ mentality will be required in abundance at Celtic Park on Tuesday evening when the team face a must-win Champions League clash against RB Leipzig, following a 3-1 loss in Germany last week. But it can also be viewed in terms of the team’s identity, continuing to play the way the team and the manager believes.
“We know it is going to be tough, but we are going to go into it the same way and try to play our football, attack and press high,” Welsh said. “That is probably what you would expect from us now. It is about recovering and preparing.
“We are wanting to go and put a good performance in, play our football against Leipzig, which we did in parts on Wednesday. We have got to do that for the full 90 minutes instead of just wee bits and pieces.
Stephen Welsh celebrates Celtic’s late win at St Johnstone. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Stephen Welsh celebrates Celtic’s late win at St Johnstone. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
“We know it is going to be a big occasion, but I don’t think we need to play the occasion. It is about playing our football – high pressing, high tempo.”
The 15-year-old dream
On a personal level, the match could represent an extra special evening for Stephen Welsh.
The loss in Leipzig was his first experience of Champions League group stage football. Tuesday could be the culmination of a 15-year-old dream. The club’s famous 2-1 win over an AC Milan side who were holders and had Kaka, Alessandro Nesta and Andrea Pirlo amongst their ranks in 2007 was his first experience of seeing Celtic at Champions League level in the flesh.
“They were the best team in the world at the time and Celtic went out and won the game,” Welsh said. “Hopefully we can do the same on Tuesday night.
“It was a long time ago now. But I am here now to go and play and challenge at the top stage. It will be my first Champions League start at Celtic Park if I am picked. It is obviously good playing away from home, but a Champions League night at Celtic Park will be a different occasion.
“It is a dream, but you never actually think of it. To go and do that would be a special occasion. But I don’t think we can think of it like that. We need to think of it as a game that we need to go and perform in. We need to play our football and go and win the game.”
Stephen Welsh lands new Celtic contract – length of deal, what player had to say
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/stephen-welsh-lands-new-celtic-contract-length-of-deal-what-player-had-to-say-4260080
Stephen Welsh is looking forward to “kicking on” under Brendan Rodgers after coming in from the cold under the new manager to sign a four-year deal with Celtic.
By Anthony Brown
Published 18th Aug 2023, 10:37 BST
Updated 18th Aug 2023, 10:37 BST
Celtic’s Stephen Welsh has signed a new deal.
Celtic’s Stephen Welsh has signed a new deal.
The 23-year-old defender’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of this season and it looked like his time with his boyhood club might be nearing an end when he fell out of favour under previous boss Ange Postecoglou.
However, academy graduate Welsh, who has been linked with moves away from Parkhead in recent transfer windows, made his first appearance in 10 months when he came on as a substitute for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers in Sunday’s 3-1 cinch Premiership win over Aberdeen.
And, having impressed Rodgers since he returned to Celtic as manager earlier this summer, the homegrown centre-back has earned a long-term extension until 2027.
“Signing a new contract for the club that I’ve been brought up on and have supported my whole life was, for me, an easy decision,” Welsh told Celtic TV after the deal was announced on Friday. “It’s time for me to kick on now and hopefully I can have a few good seasons. I want to keep improving and continue to play as many games as I can, especially with the manager in now. He’s been massive for me since he’s come in. He’s one of the main reasons that I want to be at the club and I’m just looking forward to starting the season properly and going for it.”
Welsh, who has made 53 appearances for Celtic since his debut in February 2020, will compete with Carter-Vickers and new signings Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke for a centre-back berth as he bids to follow the lead of fellow academy graduates Callum McGregor and James Forrest by establishing himself as a regular starter.
“At a club of this stature, competition for places is going to be everywhere, all over the pitch,” he said. “So for me it’s natural to keep working hard, keep improving and show that the manager can trust me to go in and play. Thankfully he’s done that so far and now we’ll look ahead to the season and hopefully more opportunities to come.
“The boys will still look to Cal and Jamesy. They’re still the main two lads who have been there and done it and I’m still trying to work towards a level so that I can get to that. But for the new boys coming in, it’s just about realising the pressure that comes with every single game and every single training session. You need to perform to the highest level and win every game.
“Over the past few years we’ve done that really well and the new signings coming in have adapted to that really well, so I think we’ve got good things ahead for us. To be at Celtic is all I can ask for and I will give 100 per cent to the club and hopefully do everyone proud.”
Stephen Welsh suffers Celtic misfortune just hours after new deal as Brendan Rodgers stays tight-lipped on duo
Gustaf Lagerbielke could be in line for a swift Celtic debut after Stephen Welsh suffered a knock hours after his new four-year contract was announced.
By Ross McLeish
Published 18th Aug 2023, 15:50 BST
Updated 18th Aug 2023, 15:50 BST
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/stephen-welsh-suffers-celtic-misfortune-just-hours-after-new-deal-as-brendan-rodgers-stays-tight-lipped-on-duo-4260866
The Swedish central defender signed on Wednesday and could face Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup on Sunday after Cameron Carter-Vickers was ruled out with a hamstring issue. Midfielder Reo Hatate will also be missing in Ayrshire after picking up a calf problem.
Welsh made his first appearance in 10 months when he replaced Carter-Vickers at Pittodrie but his chances of getting an extended run have been placed in doubt. “He picked up a little bit of a knock today which is a shame for him considering he has just signed his deal,” boss Brendan Rodgers said. “But I am really pleased for him. He is a guy that loves Celtic, loves playing here. He has been a great player within the squad over the last number of years. Maybe not played as much as he would have liked but his heart is very much here and I am delighted for him that he has committed to signing.”
Rodgers did not know how bad the knock was and did not give many details on Carter-Vickers and Hatate other than ruling them out of Sunday’s game. Celtic host St Johnstone in their next league match before travelling to Ibrox on September 3. Rodgers said: “We just have to assess them and see how they are over the coming weeks.”
Lagerbielke played his final game for Elfsborg last Sunday, leaving them in pole position in the Swedish top flight after 19 matches after Celtic targeted him as a replacement for another Swede, Carl Starfelt. “He has been playing so fitness-wise he is fine,” said Rodgers, who declined to comment on reports linking Celtic with moves for Wolves winger Daniel Podence and Newcastle’s Ryan Fraser. “He is a highly-rated young player and I am looking forward to seeing him play. The club have a great pipeline of players in place. There is always a plan if someone is to move on so he is one who has been looked at for a long time.”
Speaking before his injury, Welsh declared he was looking to “kick on” under Rodgers. The 23-year-old’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of this season and it looked like his time with his boyhood club might be nearing an end when he struggled for game time under previous boss Ange Postecoglou. The Celtic academy graduate has been linked with moves away from Parkhead in recent transfer windows but Rodgers spoke highly of him after Sunday’s 3-1 win at Pittodrie.
“Signing a new contract for the club that I’ve been brought up on and have supported my whole life was, for me, an easy decision,” Welsh told Celtic TV. “It’s time for me to kick on now and hopefully I can have a few good seasons. I want to keep improving and continue to play as many games as I can, especially with the manager in now. He’s been massive for me since he’s come in. He’s one of the main reasons that I want to be at the club and I’m just looking forward to starting the season properly and going for it.”
Welsh has made 53 appearances for Celtic since his debut in February 2020 and will compete for a centre-back berth with recent signing Maik Nawrocki as well as Carter-Vickers and Lagerbielke. “At a club of this stature, competition for places is going to be everywhere, all over the pitch,” he said. “So for me it’s natural to keep working hard, keep improving and show that the manager can trust me to go in and play. Thankfully he’s done that so far and now we’ll look ahead to the season and hopefully more opportunities to come. To be at Celtic is all I can ask for and I will give 100 per cent to the club and hopefully do everyone proud.”
Why it’s another big season for stand-in Celtic skipper as ‘underrated’ former teammate hailed
Alan Pattullo
By Alan Pattullo
Published 7th Jul 2024, 08:00 BST
Updated 7th Jul 2024, 11:08 BST
Stephen Welsh might not be a new player but he’s a committed one and has trust of manager
It must be slightly disconcerting for those already at the club when the annual frenzy of anxiety begins, as seems to happen every summer at Celtic. Where are all the new signings? Where’s the new blood? We don’t want him, we want someone else. Someone new.
Stephen Welsh is not someone new. He’s now 24, which might surprise some people, not least because he still looks so young. He’s been at Celtic all of his career save for a spell on loan at Morton. In terms of a first-team breakthrough, he has been there or thereabouts for what seems like a while now. Could this be his year?
Well, he knows that’s been said before and having signed a new long-term contract as recently as last August, it’s not as if the clock is ticking in that respect. Still, with the defender now in his mid-twenties, regular game-time must now be paramount in his thoughts.
Celtic defender Stephen Welsh sports the armband as he marshalls Ayr United’s George Oakley along with young teammates Kyle Ure (No 54) and Josh Dede (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Celtic defender Stephen Welsh sports the armband as he marshalls Ayr United’s George Oakley along with young teammates Kyle Ure (No 54) and Josh Dede (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
He was given a lift by being named skipper for Friday night’s 1-1 friendly draw against Ayr United, although of course he appreciates he was leading a young, inexperienced team. Nevertheless, it’s comforting to know Brendan Rodgers identified him as someone able to help the likes of teenagers Andrew Kyle and Josh Dede through the game. He was also required to be a stabilising influence on 19-year-old defensive partner Lenny Agbaire when he came on and then soon afterwards committed the mistake that allowed the hosts to equalise from the spot through Anton Dowds.
“The gaffer mentioned about the young lads coming up, it’s about personality, it’s about wanting come and take the ball,” reflected Welsh. “I know exactly how it feels as a young lad coming up and playing with the first-team. It can be very daunting, even in a pre-season game.”
Welsh guided them through in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch (Rodgers made ten changes at half-time). He cherished leading the team out in front of a healthy crowd of nearly 10,000, with the game having been arranged to officially open the new North Stand at Somerset Park. “As a young fan, that is the dream,” he said. “Even in a pre-season friendly, there is no better feeling than that. I just went out and enjoyed it.”
Asked if he could interpret being given the armband as a signal of trust in him from Rodgers, he said he could, which must be encouraging. “It’s all you can ask for from the gaffer,” he said. “If he trusts you, then you can trust yourself on the pitch.”
As for this season being a make-or-break for him personally, he made the point that this could be said about anyone at a club where so much is demanded. “I think every player at Celtic gets asked that: ‘Is it a big season for us?’” he said. “Every game is a big game for us, every training session is a big training session for us, we look at it each day. We’re not thinking about Queen’s Park (on Wednesday) yet, we are thinking about training tomorrow. I think that is the mentality that this group has got. It doesn’t matter who we are playing and when we are playing, it’s just about the next session to build up to that and then when the game comes, we give it 100 per cent.”
Defence is one area where extensive change could come. Rodgers will look to strengthen at left-back and right-back as well as at centre-half, where Welsh plays – sometimes. He managed just 14 appearances last season although he was hardly helped by a succession of injuries, including damaged ankle ligaments in August, when he was hoping to establish himself in the first team.
He is hoping for better fortune this season, something that seems to have been denied defensive partner Maik Nawrocki, who was forced off against Ayr after a calf knock. With the Pole’s future in question, Rodgers will need to address centre-half cover.
There’s also a huge question about what might happen behind Welsh and his defensive colleagues. Joe Hart’s departure has left a huge hole and though Rodgers used as many as three goalkeepers on Friday against Ayr United, it would be a surprise if one of Scott Bain, Tobi Oluwayemi or Josh Clarke lines up against Kilmarnock next month when Celtic start the defence of their title.
Welsh believes what Hart did for the club has not been praised enough. “It’s no secret Harty was a massive influence in the changing room over the last three years,” he said. “I don’t think it has been mentioned enough how good he was for us, I think he was very underrated.”
Another veteran whose worth went slightly unnoticed for the simple reason that he was not playing is James Forrest. However far out of the picture Welsh or anyone else seems, the winger’s example is a heartening one. Forrest came in from nowhere towards the end of last season and made a significant contribution to Celtic’s double-winning campaign, scoring five times in the last nine games. He did enough to earn himself a place in the Scotland Euro 2024 squad.
“Jamesie was absolutely outstanding for us last season,” said Welsh. “I think it was very difficult for him as he’s a player that wants to play every game as we all do. The way he finished the season was incredible and I think we can take a lot from that.
“An experienced player who maybe one or two things haven’t gone his way and he goes and finishes the season like that. I think that is something all the young lads can look up to.”