Celtic’s answer to their defensive problems is to recall Stephen Welsh from his loan spell at Motherwell.
Welsh had been pencilled in to stay a whole season at Fir Park, and things have been going swimmingly well for the Celtic man.
On several occasions, Andy Halliday, who has watched Welsh day in and day out at Motherwell, has been singing his praises and how impactful he has been for The Steelmen.
So, you can imagine that Halliday was gutted when hearing the news that Welsh would be returning to Celtic during the January transfer window.
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Andy Halliday on Stephen Welsh returning to Celtic
To nobody’s surprise, the Celtic board are making another mess of the transfer window, hence the club being forced to bring back Welsh.
Speaking on Clyde 1, Halliday hopes that the Hoops can bring in several centre-backs this month, allowing Welsh to return to Motherwell.
Motherwell are sitting fourth in the Premiership table, four points behind third-placed Celtic, and they are searching for European qualification this term under their impressive coach, Jens Berthel Askou.
“Obviously, my priority is Motherwell, and Stephen Welsh has been a huge part of our success this season, so he is going to be a miss,” admitted Halliday.
“I have the thought in the back of my head that Celtic now go and sign three centre-backs if possible. That might be that option we get him back until the end of the season. I think, for me, it’s potentially best for all parties as well.
“Celtic are still actively looking for players, I think centre-half will be one of them. Stephen Welsh, you need to ask him, but arguably enjoying his best season ever.”
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Welsh’s stats for Motherwell this season
There is the suggestion that Auston Trusty could be injured, and if that’s the case, then you could see Welsh starting against Falkirk on Wednesday night.
Either way, there is no point in recalling the player if he is just going to warm the bench for the coming months because, as his stats at Motherwell prove, he has been going great guns and making huge improvements in his career.
- Premiership games: 15
- Starts: 15
- Goals conceded: 9
- Clean sheets: 8
- Yellow cards: 2
- Aerials won: 2.8
- Tackles: 0.7
- Interceptions: 1.3
- Clearances: 6.4
- Average passes: 63.9
- Passing accuracy: 92.2%
- Man of the Match: 1
- WhoScored rating: 6.99
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