Celtic centre-back Stephen Welsh has cleverly shot down a question on Sunday’s clash with Rangers after a dismal performance from Scotland under-21s.
The U21 captain was part of Scott Gemmill’s youngsters who blew a big opportunity against Turkey at Tynecastle on Friday night. The dreadful 2-0 defeat leaves them toiling behind Belgium, Denmark, and the Turks in the race for Euro 2023 qualification.
Sunday’s game could define Celtic’s season, with a win at Ibrox all but ensuring the title is coming back to Parkhead. Defeat, however, sets up a blockbuster final couple of months before the end of the campaign.
But as the media tried to probe Welsh on looking ahead to the fixture, it’s clear that Stephen was in no mood to go into it. Instead, he showed his leadership qualities as he immediately shot the narrative down.
As quoted by The Herald [print edition, 28/03, Sport Supplement, page 4], Welsh said: “I’m not really thinking about that. It’s no secret that there is a big game coming around the corner but for me it’s about Kazakhstan and I can focus on Celtic after that.
“My full focus is on Scotland right now as I’m sure all the boys will be focusing on the international games now.”
Stephen Welsh shows his maturity as he refuses to look ahead to Rangers vs Celtic
You’ve got to appreciate this from Welsh. At only 22 years of age, it would be easy for him to get caught up in the fixture next weekend. It’s the biggest game of his Celtic career if he sees any minutes on the pitch.
Granted, he’s unlikely to start at Ibrox due to the form of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt. But even so, he could be called upon at any time. And if he is, he has a huge role to play for the cause in Govan.
It wouldn’t have been right, however, for him to go into any detail about it. Not at the moment. Scotland under-21s still have a must-win game against Kazakhstan on Tuesday to think about. A game that will truly determine whether they’re still in the hunt for Euro 2023 qualification.
Had he got stuck into a mini-preview for the Rangers game, it would’ve sent out the wrong message. It would’ve come across as though he’s overlooking the next qualification match for the U21s. Not what you would expect from a captain.
It’s difficult to know whether the media were trying to trip him up here. But at least he didn’t take the bait. Rangers can wait. Welsh has a big job to do this week before he returns to Lennoxtown.
And going by Friday night’s performance, there’s a lot of making up to do.
In other news, Carl Starfelt can finally shut up his unfair Celtic critics by bossing Alfredo Morelos
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