Celtic are in search of centre-backs ahead of the January transfer window opening.
But one of the answers for Wilfried Nancy probably lies closer to home in the form of loaned-out defender, Stephen Welsh.
Motherwell signed Welsh on a season-long loan deal in the summer, with Jens Berthel Askou’s side currently sitting third in the table and the Celtic loanee being a regular member of the backline.
Andy Halliday, albeit a squad player at Motherwell, has watched Welsh day-to-day at Fir Park, and he is loving what he is seeing from the Celtic man.
Should Celtic consider recalling Stephen Welsh in January?
Andy Halliday raves about Celtic’s Stephen Welsh and his performances for Motherwell
Following the conclusion of the weekend’s Premiership action before Christmas, Halliday was asked to name his player of the weekend.
Halliday put forward Welsh’s name and how he has played a ‘major, major’ part in what his resurgent Motherwell side have been producing.
Speaking on Clyde 1, Halliday noted Nancy needing centre-backs and Welsh possibly playing under the Frenchman.
Being biased and with his Motherwell hat on, the Well midfielder is hoping Celtic sign players in January rather than take Welsh away from his European-chasing side.
“It’s going to a Celtic player,” said Halliday about his player of the weekend. “But a Celtic player that isn’t at Celtic.
“I am going to go for Stephen Welsh. Six clean sheets in a row for ourselves and Motherwell.
“Stephen Welsh, for me, has been a major, major part of that. It’s been funny because I am sitting here, and I am listening to Celtic playing three at the back. They need to sign centre-halves in January.
“Well, hopefully, they go and sign a couple of centre-halves in January, and leave Stephen Welsh where he is. He has done ever so well for Motherwell.”
You have £20m to spend in the January transfer window. How are you spending it?
Welsh’s Motherwell stats this season
The best call would be to keep Welsh at Motherwell, with some making the argument that they are in the Premiership title race.
Either way, his football education is growing, and he should be properly assessed upon his return to Celtic in the summer.
That’s when Nancy really needs to take a look at him and consider him for his 2026/27 plans.
- Welsh’s games for Motherwell: 12
- Starts: 12
- Total minutes: 970
- Goals conceded: 6
- Clean Sheets: 7
- WhoScored rating: 7.02
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