Stephen Welsh started his fourth Celtic match of the season and convinced many watching fans that he deserves to be starting every match.
The 21-year-old has had to sit back very patiently this season, starting the Glasgow derby in October and against AC Milan in the Europa League but failing to make the matchday squad for the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts in December.
After 13 players were forced to self-isolate following the Dubai trip he was drafted in alongside Shane Duffy to play against Hibs but found himself back on the bench for the draws against Livingston.
At half time on Saturday against St Mirren Welsh got the call to replace the injured Bitton then kept his place tonight, playing alongside Kris Ajer at Rugby Park.
There was nothing rash or hurried about his play tonight, he steps in when needed and has a sound awareness of what is going on around him- a quality that hasn’t been common in the Celtic defence this season.
On Saturday Celtic host Motherwell with Welsh looking very much to be the man in possession in defence as well as the #57 shirt.
Stephen Welsh deserves the jersey til the end of the season. Might as well further his development as he looks to be an exciting defensive prospect, better than developing someone else’s defender anyway.
— Seán Markus Clifford (@seanmarkus_67) February 2, 2021
Plenty of zip about Celtic’s play tonight. First win by 4 goals or more since 12th September (0-5 v Ross County). Might be good that there was no CB on loan last night – Stephen Welsh deserves a run of games. He’s stepped up and should be given the chance to impress & progress.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) February 2, 2021
Jonjoe Kenny has had a tidy debut tonight. Although not tested significantly defensively he has performed well down the right. Also, Stephen Welsh has proved to be a massive upgrade from Duffy.
— A.McCool (@Aymicsee) February 2, 2021
Much better from Celtic tonight, still look a bit dodgy at defending cross balls but overall play has been better . Stephen Welsh has been excellent , not gave the ball away all game
— Robbie Kelly (@RobbieKelly1995) February 2, 2021
Young Stephen Welsh should stay in the Celtic side for the rest of the season
— Stephen McLaughlin (@BhoyPapa) February 2, 2021
Stephen Welsh needs to be in there every week
— Ben (@BenJohn_67) February 2, 2021