Celtic defender Stephen Welsh now has perfect opportunity to prove himself

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Pick your perfect, injury-free Celtic XI after the transfer window shut; is Stephen Welsh in there?

The young Scotsman, who broke through last season, has stepped up another level under Ange Postecoglou. Welsh’s passing instincts, and willingness to get the ball forward, have been boosted with an attack-minded coach.

However, that attack-minded coach will have been cognisant of why Welsh was playing so regularly. With injuries to Christopher Jullien and the poor form of Shane Duffy, Welsh was brought into the fold in 20-21. That he did well is perhaps a bit of a happy accident.

But now he’s a firm feature. Will that continue with the additions of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales?

Scales, who can play left-back, might not be Welsh’s main competition alongside Carl Starfelt. And yes, there’s an argument about who’s the better defender between Welsh and the Swedish international. On form, it’s probably the Academy graduate.

Which says, if anything, that Welsh is right up for competing with international players to continue his first-team berth with Celtic. If Starfelt was a complimentary piece before, he’s a challenge now.

Yet, you wouldn’t bet against the young Scottish defender, necessarily. Would you?

Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has grounds for confidence despite more options at club

Welsh has started the season well, barring the Joe Hart-adjacent slip-up against AZ Alkmaar.

FotMob rates his performances at a 7.6 so far this season. Meanwhile, the statisticians at WhoScored? have him averaging over a tackle and interception per game, with 3.3 clearances. All very good signs.

In terms of the eye test, Welsh has been consistently impressive. His boundless energy means he’s happy to make last-ditch tackles, or lung-busting runs to make blocks and interceptions.

Given Postecoglou’s willingness to give chances to youngsters, you can imagine Welsh staying in the first-team. And, with a new cast of defenders to compete against in training, you can imagine him improving.

Sure, he doesn’t have the physicality of Cameron Carter-Vickers, nor the easy, calming influence of Jullien at the back. But in terms of what he can learn, the potential is surely there.

Rather than being scared of his new competition, the signs around Welsh seem positive. Playing next to Kristoffer Ajer gave his game a real boost, and it’s not hard to see the same happening next to the experience of Carter-Vickers or Starfelt.

So, go back to your ideal Celtic XI. Is Welsh there?

In other news: Big August Ange hint sets precedent for change.