With several early season injuries, Celtic find themselves in a difficult position at this point of time. It goes without saying that Ange Postecoglou will be unhappy to have so many of his key players missing. But these absences are an opportunity to some as well, with one such player being Stephen Welsh.
Celtic’s regular pairing at centre-back hasn’t been available for a while as both Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers have had to deal with injury issues. And while the American international is back, the Swedish defender remains out.
Summer loan signing, Moritz Jenz, has stepped in and has performed well in the back four when paired with Carter-Vickers. Of course, the injuries also provided an opportunity for Welsh to come into the first-team.
Welsh got off to a flying start with a goal in the opening league game against Aberdeen and has done reasonably well when called upon since. But it’s pretty clear that he is still learning the job and building his experience game by game. He isn’t seen as a regular starter and will be behind all three of Starfelt, Carter-Vickers and Jenz in the pecking order. But that means that when everybody is fit, chances are expected to be few and far between. So, could he actually benefit from a spell away on loan?
Could it benefit Celtic youngster to go out on loan?
As reported by Football Insider, Frank McAvennie said about Welsh:
"“I do not know if Welsh is the man for me.“I think he is a pro that comes in, but when he does he ball watches. John Kennedy is there, and Stephen McManus, two centre-halves, you would think they would teach him.“I think he has got to learn the basics. He is not the biggest centre-half. If somebody comes running they will beat him all day long.“He is only young so I think he could be a good player. I would not get rid of him but I would try and put him on loan. Toughen him up, let him play every game and see how he does.“They have got [Carl] Starfelt, [Moritz] Jenz and [Cameron] Carter-Vickers who are in front of him. Welsh has not done much wrong but I would put him on loan.“"
Postecoglou does seem to be an admirer of Welsh though and the club have already turned down bids for the player over the last two summer transfer windows.
Welsh would definitely benefit from more game time and a regular slot at centre-back each week but then, Celtic would need to bring in a replacement in his place, because they do not have a fourth choice in the heart of defence right now other than him.