Celtic have not looked at their best over the first two matchdays in the Premiership. They have gotten the job done on both occasions though, winning 4-2 against Ross County on Flag Day and then 3-1 away at Pittodrie Stadium against Aberdeen. Fans will be hoping that the performances improve over the coming weeks as well.
One player who got a chance to play against Aberdeen is Stephen Welsh. He was brought on at half-time as Cameron Carter-Vickers was taken off.
Welsh did well after coming on, as Celtic did not concede in the second half. And it looks like the Scotsman’s future at Parkhead might have taken a twist due to the arrival of Brendan Rodgers.
Not too long ago, it felt almost certain that Welsh would end up leaving the club this summer. That has not happened till now though. And some of Rodgers’ recent comments suggest that he might be staying on after all.
Celtic player’s future takes twist due to Rodgers
As reported by STV News, Rodgers said:
"“I thought he was excellent when he came in.“I like Stephen. I took him with me one pre-season when he was a young player because I really liked him.“For whatever reason he hasn’t maybe played the games but he’s a Celtic boy who wants to be at the club. I want him to be at the club.“I said to him, ‘I can’t guarantee you how many games you are going to play. You may play 40 games in the season’.”"
Of course, Welsh is a player who has come through the ranks at Celtic. But he has never been able to establish himself as a starter at the senior level.
Everybody seems to think that Welsh has a ton of potential and can be a starter someday. But at the moment, he is not getting enough chances to show what he is truly capable of in a Celtic shirt.
Welsh barely played under the management of Ange Postecoglou and he was expected to leave this summer. That might not be the case following the reappointment of Rodgers though.
But it will be interesting to see how much Welsh does end up playing if he does remain at the club. Cameron Carter-Vickers is an undisputed starter as long as he stays fit. On the other hand, Celtic have signed Maik Nawrocki this summer and are believed to be on the verge of signing Gustaf Lagerbielke as well.