Celtic told Stephen Welsh’s ‘outstanding’ Motherwell form is ‘purely down’ to one man

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Stephen Welsh’s Celtic return is a move that raised the eyebrows of many fans.

Welsh was on loan at Motherwell for the season and was earning rave reviews after the Celtic defender’s recent performances.

The 25-year-old was not due to return to Celtic until the end of the season, but the Parkhead club saw fit to bring him home early.

Should Martin O’Neill start Stephen Welsh against Falkirk?

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It seemed like a strange move to make, especially as Celtic’s need for a striker is well publicised.

However, now back with Celtic and training, Martin O’Neill has been told he’s getting a ‘better player’ from Motherwell and it’s all down to one Fir Park man.

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Stephen Welsh was ‘outstanding’ for Motherwell

Welsh made 17 appearances for Motherwell this season and former Hoops midfielder Scott Allan said he was outstanding for the Fir Park club.

Allan told The Scottish Football Podcast, “I had the time at Celtic, I went to the loan, came back, turned pre-season, Hibs wanted me to go back and Celtic didn’t let me go back, and I ended up not playing at all, to be honest.

“So, I understand from the player’s point of view, but from a club’s perspective, he’s a Celtic player, came through the academy, he went to Motherwell, he was outstanding for Motherwell in the game I’ve watched, I think.”

Celtic’s Stephen Welsh is a ‘much better player’ because of Jens Berthel-Askou

Many Celtic supporters believe that Welsh is not good enough to hold down a regular starting spot at Parkhead.

But Allan is adamant that the player O’Neill is getting back is so much better than the one who left and it’s down to Jens Berthel Askou.

“The player Celtic got back as a much better player than he was when he left,” continued Allan, “and that’s in such a short space of time, and that’s purely down to Jens Berthal Askou and the system he’s played.

“So, for me, whether he starts or not, when he does come in, he’s a much more composed player from the loan deal. In terms of minutes, he’s been fantastic. Ultimately, he’s a Celtic player.

“If they think they need him for the bench, he is their player, they’ll be covered. I know if I was Martin O’Neill, I would much rather have him available to me, whether he starts or not. At the end of the day, he is a Celtic player.”

Welsh is unlikely to feature for Celtic this month unless an injury happens to either Auston Trusty or Liam Scales.

As a back-up option, the former Scotland U21 defender is a good choice to have, but it appears that Welsh could well see another Celtic exit before the transfer window closes in January.