Didn’t he do well- 22-year-old pushing Ange for regular starting slot

Ange Postecoglou sang the praises of Stephen Welsh following Celtic’s 2-0 win over Aberdeen to open the defence of the SPFL Premiership title. 

The defender showed his team-mates the way to goal with a brilliant second minute header from a Matt O’Riley corner then proceeded to put in the sort of assured defensive performance required on the days where things don’t quite go to plan in front of goal. 

Celtic should have been home and dry before half time but had to wait until the 75th minute to secure the points with a brilliant 25 yard shot from Jota. 

Despite being right footed Welsh has looked very comfortable on the left of Cameron Carter-Vickers, quickly developing a partnership with the defender who effectively took his place in the Celtic side last September. 

With Carl Starfelt back in full training some big decisions could be looming for Postecoglou but as he told The Sun it is the sort of dilemma that he is more than happy with. 

Welshy was very important. They are all important. In pre-season we knew Carl Starfelt was going to be out for a major part of it and Moritz Jenz came in very late. 

Welshy and Cam have had to carry the load and it was important that they both had a strong pre-season and came into this in good form. Welshy has done well. Again, I thought he and Cam did what they had to do. 

Celtic face Ross County on Saturday looking to build on today’s clean sheet and keep their noses in front at the top of the SPFL Premiership.