There were that many positives in Dingwall that it’s difficult to count, but one that’s gone under the radar was the involvement of the exciting Stephen Welsh.
After being given minutes in several pre-season encounters, Welsh finally bagged his first matchday squad inclusion of the season and his first in seven months. Despite Celtic having already played league matches against Hamilton, Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Motherwell this term, Welsh wasn’t involved in any capacity.
But after Neil Lennon decided to go with a back three against Ross County on Sunday, the Scotland youth international found himself back in amongst first-team proceedings once again.
Unfortunately for the youngster, he didn’t manage to secure his second-ever competitive Celtic appearance as he was rooted to the bench. Welsh has been looking to add to his maiden Hoops outing back in February when he impressed massively in a 4-1 win at Hamilton.
He was one of two centre-backs who made the bench on Sunday, with Hatem Elhamed also spending the full duration of the match as a sub.
A back three gives Welsh a glimmer of hope for more opportunities
Nobody expects Welsh to be a regular this season, it just isn’t realistic to start speculating whether that could be the case even as the season goes on.
However, a change to a back three that requires a trio of central defenders does increase his chances slightly. With Shane Duffy, Kristoffer Ajer, and Christopher Jullien the expected first-choice backline, it arguably boosts Welsh up the ladder a tad.
Hatem Elhamed is still ahead of him, whilst Nir Bitton would also likely demand a place if an injury or two was picked up at the back. But Welsh is the kind of player who could be comfortable operating in any position as part of a back three. Especially with a character such as Duffy alongside him with all of his experience.
It’s important not to get too carried away however and recognise that Welsh would still effectively remain the sixth choice with three spots available. It would still require something of a defensive injury crisis in order for him to get any sort of run. Nobody wants that.
Lennon also isn’t likely to tinker too much with his defence if he can avoid it. So whilst a back three does change Welsh’s chances ever so slightly, it perhaps isn’t worth sticking around for.
Heading out and getting more senior experience to add to his six-month Morton spell last season should still be his main focus. Sunday was an indication that the manager remains a big fan of Welsh, but don’t be surprised if he still ends up elsewhere before the transfer window ends.
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