Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has needed to use his squad over the last few weeks to compensate for his list of high-profile absentees.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Greg Taylor, Alistair Johnston and Reo Hatate have all been sidelined due to various injury concerns, paving the way for others to step into the starting line-up.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Rodgers has needed to navigate availability issues following a defensive crisis earlier this term, where only Liam Scales and Gustaf Lagerbielke were fit for the Bhoys’ derby victory at Ibrox.
Nevertheless, there are now plenty of options for the Irishman to choose from as his side gear up for the title run-in.
Maik Nawrocki has since made way for Coatbridge-born Stephen Welsh in Rodgers’ backline, with the latter turning in an impressive display during his side’s 2-0 victory over St Mirren in the Scottish Cup.
The 24-year-old put on a commanding performance at the SMiSA Stadium and was voted as BBC Sport’s player of the match in Paisley.
Stephen Welsh discusses form, togetherness and life at Celtic
Lennoxtown product Welsh has been in the system at Parkhead for most of his life and is firmly aware of the high standards that need to be met weekly at Celtic.
Speaking after his side’s triumph over St Mirren, the former Scotland Under-21 international has given an insight into the Hoops’ form, his defensive partnership with teammate Scales and the squad’s togetherness.
Welsh stated: [Celtic FC official website]: “That’s my first 90 minutes in a while and myself and Scalesey have a pretty good relationship on and off the pitch, but whoever plays in that back four, we’re together.
“We speak before the game. The most important thing for the back four is to play well, keep a clean sheet. And when we do it in this team, we’ve got the quality up front to win the game so hopefully we can push forward now and continue the good form.
He later added: “We know that we need to come to these venues and put in a good performance, and come out with a result.
“To do it in the last two games, although we didn’t play that well at Easter Road, and we played a lot better today, it’s great for us and we’ve got a couple of home games to look forward to now.”
Stephen Welsh has opportunity to nail down Celtic starting slot
Homegrown players understand the fabric of the club they represent, and Welsh is no different in that respect, as he gives maximum effort every time he dons the green and white.
Unfortunately, ankle issues have limited his ability to make an impact this term, with the former Greenock Morton loanee making just eight appearances in total across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Now back to full fitness, Welsh has an opportunity to nail down a starting berth in Rodgers’ side until Carter-Vickers recovers from his own struggles.
Celtic will need to rely on dependable individuals to get them over the line in the Scottish Premiership, and the 24-year-old will be desperate to continue proving his worth.
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