Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has hit back at criticism of teammate Kris Ajer, as reported by The Daily Record.
Former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie, who seems to give a quote every hour on what’s going on at the club, blasted Ajer earlier this week. [The Herald]
He made a number of unfair comments about a young player who has been one of our best performers this term.
McAvennie suggested that Ajer should do more to guide Welsh through games.
However, the breakthrough prospect is having none of that, telling The Daily Record that the Norwegian is a big leader in the first-team squad.
Welsh said: “Kris is an excellent player. People don’t realise how young he is, he’s only 22 and he’s becoming a leader in the side, a real focal point for the team now.
“He’s really easy to play with and it ties in with Jonjoe Kenny coming in at right-back. He has really steadied the ship, he’s an excellent defender.
“You’ve got Greg Taylor or Diego Laxalt over on the other side so we’ve got a good back four.”
Kris Ajer is no Celtic scapegoat
The Celtic defence hasn’t been good enough this season. There’s no denying that.
However, since John Kennedy was appointed as interim boss we’ve only conceded one goal. Granted it was a silly set-piece goal, but there’s been a definite improvement.
Throughout the season, even when others around him have lost the head, Ajer has been one of our most important players. It’s ridiculous for McAvennie to single him out for scathing criticism.
He is a great influence for an inexperienced player such as Welsh to learn from. Clearly the Celtic Academy graduate is thankful for him, regardless of what McAvennie says.
We’ll miss the Norwegian international when he leaves and should enjoy him while he’s here.
Hopefully I feel the same way at full-time against Rangers today!
In other news, Kenny Dalglish notes rival player Celtic could exploit today.
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