Celtic supporters given superb Stephen Welsh update; flew under the radar

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The Celtic supporters were yesterday given a hugely-positive Stephen Welsh update yesterday that flew under the radar.

So much of the narrative over the course of Tuesday was focused, unsurprisingly, on Celtic boss Neil Lennon’s future. With the Hoops manager stating that he was “comfortable” with his position [Glasgow Live], many fans were left perplexed.

In addition to that, the manager announced the pre-contract signing of Sheffield Wednesday’s Liam Shaw. A signing that’s opened up more questions than answers.

However, perhaps the biggest boost came in the form of Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph’s update on Welsh. Joseph has stated that the centre-back is now back in full training and will be available for tonight’s clash against Aberdeen:

Celtic fans will be relieved with Stephen Welsh update; challenge looked nasty

This is something the Celtic supporters will undoubtedly be pleased with. Or perhaps relieved is indeed the right word here. When Welsh was stretchered off after taking a nasty challenge from St Mirren’s Jonathan Obika last week, we all feared the worst.

But his swift return to action has to be considered a major plus-point. This gives Welsh the opportunity to continue his development and integration into the first-team ahead of the crucial European qualifiers this summer.

And Lennon’s promise to both Welsh and the Celtic supporters will now be put to the test. He stated after the player’s injury that he would come right back into the squad when he was ready [Daily Record].

There’s no reason for Lennon to continue Welsh’s absence. His one-game no-show against St Johnstone on Sunday should be the only fixture he needs to miss. Now, the Scotland under-19 international can come right back in this evening against Aberdeen. So long as Lennon keeps to his word.

Many will fear the presence of Shane Duffy alongside Kris Ajer this evening, and rightly so. Even if Duffy performed reasonably well in Perth at the weekend, we’ve seen enough to know he isn’t the answer.

Coming up against the likes of Flo Kamberi and Fraser Hornby would be a big plus for Welsh. Perhaps his biggest challenge in recent weeks, and it will show Celtic fans whether he can deal with some higher quality front-men. As much as Kamberi and Hornby have yet to set the heather alight, both have talent. They’ll be a challenge for Celtic this evening. Here’s hoping Welsh and Ajer is the partnership they come up against.

In other news, Burnley boss Sean Dyche has discussed the current state of play regarding reported Celtic target Robbie Brady.