Celtic have struggled defensively through the course of this campaign. The signing of Shane Duffy has turned out to be an absolute disaster while Christopher Jullien has spent most of the season on the sidelines, nursing multiple injuries. The introduction of Stephen Welsh to the backline appears to have brought some sort of solidity to the defence.
Most supporters would argue that he should have been brought into the first-team fold much earlier. It would have been much better than seeing Duffy continue to struggle or trying to use Nir Bitton at the back, which ultimately ended up costing them the last Glasgow Derby.
But as luck would have it, Welsh got injured in the club’s 4-0 victory away at St Mirren, just he was starting to get a good run of games and starting to nail down his spot in the first-team. The extent of his injury is not known yet and is expected to be assessed today.
If it is not long-term, Neil Lennon has assured the Celtic supporters that he will retain his place in the squad as reported by the Daily Record:
"“He has done very well. We have been very pleased with him and he is a good kid. Hopefully he won’t miss any games. If he does he will be back in the squad as soon as possible because he has earned it.”"
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Can Stephen Welsh be the long-term solution to Celtic’s defensive problems?
Celtic are expected strength at the back in the upcoming summer transfer window and that is certainly the correct decision. After how Duffy has performed this season, it would be a huge shock to see him back at Parkhead for another loan spell.
Rumours continue to revolve around the future of Kristoffer Ajer as well. He has truly been the club’s most consistent defender this season and it would be a huge blow to see him depart anytime soon. But if that does end up happening, the Hoops do need to replace him.
The fact of the matter is that Welsh just turned 21 and it is early to judge if he can be a regular starter for Celtic in the future. He has shown great potential till now but it is important to let him develop as a player instead just pushing his progress.
A new manager is expected to arrive in the summer as well and he will hold the keys to Welsh’s future role at the club.