Celtic defender Stephen Welsh enjoyed a breakout season with the Bhoys in 20-21, in circumstances that would test any centre-back.
Forming a late-campaign partnership with Kristoffer Ajer, Welsh seemed to improve week-on-week. Over time, his positioning, tendency to hoof the ball out of danger and short passing became incrementally better.
The former Morton loanee isn’t by any means a must-pick yet, but there was reason for a shred of optimism about the Academy graduate.
In hindsight, then, you might’ve expected Welsh to start against FK Jablonec last night. In a game where Celtic dominated but still conceded twice, there were positives aplenty, but concerning reminders also of how much work needs done at the back.
Celtic, no doubt, are looking to strengthen. Ko Itakura and Cameron Carter-Vickers have both been heavily linked. Even then, though, it was surprising to see Nir Bitton getting the nod ahead of Welsh last night in the Czech Republic.
After all, you could argue that Nir Bitton’s sending off against FC Midtjylland had a critical effect on the tie. The Bhoys were in the ascendency and looked good value to add to a lead. As it was, the first leg finished one apiece. The less said about the second leg, the better.
Bitton is clearly a guy who trains well. His contributions from a passing point of view were actually pretty sound last night. For the second goal, Bitton was key. He was keen to move forward and get involved in the attacking play.
However, he had some questionable moments again at the back. For the first goal, both he and Starfelt were entirely evaded. At the second, he could do nothing to prevent the ball sneaking over the line, after an unfortunate deflection.
Stephen Welsh surely the better long-term option for Celtic
It’s not that Bitton was bad, per se. In fact, on the ball, he was pretty good. Defensively, he had some dodgy moments, but he won 3 aerial duels, won 7 duels in general, and was successful with all three of his tackles [FotMob]. None of this is to complain about the Israeli international’s performance last night, generally speaking.
Nor are there guarantees that Welsh would’ve been entirely convincing himself. Not playing Welsh does seems like a lateral move though, when there’s a potentially good centre-back there.
Welsh’s best lessons will come through doing. Having featured across both legs against Midtjylland, he could be chastened by a disappointing experience on the European stage.
It might’ve been fitness, or something else. There are, after all, so many reasons not to play someone, and we’re not doubting Ange Postecoglou on any front yet.
If Welsh is to be a long-term answer, though, someone who can continually step up for Celtic, then it’s imperative that he returns at the weekend. Dundee represent a different kind of challenge, but they’re the kind of test that Welsh needs to pass if he’s to build on a promising campaign last time round.
Postecoglou doesn’t deserve any doubt yet. Yet, if his youth movement is to continue in earnest [Celtic FC], Welsh has earned the right to be a big part of it.
Read more: Key Celtic figure beams about impact of new Bhoys
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
