Opinion: Celtic talent deserves support but performances must improve
It is fair to say that Celtic centre-back Stephen Welsh has struggled at times in Celtic’s last two Premiership games.
He was poor in the defeat to St Mirren, and didn’t cover himself in glory in the win over Motherwell. It is probably not a coincidence that he has played alongside Moritz Jenz in those two matches, and the duo have not really gelled together at the back for the Hoops.
As it stands, we don’t yet know if Cameron Carter-Vickers will return for the Hoops tomorrow night against RB Leipzig, which might mean a third successive start for Welsh and Jenz, and this would be the toughest opposition that the duo have faced yet.
The 22-year-old Welsh will need the support of the fans and his teammates if he is to feature for the Hoops in that game, but he will surely be aware that he will have to up his performance levels if he is going to start for the Bhoys in Germany.
You could sense that fans were getting agitated about Celtic’s defence in the win over Motherwell, as in all honesty Jenz and Welsh aren’t as good in defence as the first-choice duo of Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt.
But it won’t do the player any good if fans get on his back, Welsh – and Jenz – needs the support of every Celtic fan if the Hoops are to get what would be a great result in Germany.
It should be remembered that at the start of the season Welsh and Carter-Vickers started for the Hoops in the win over Aberdeen, with Welsh opening the scoring, and the former Celtic youth player played well enough for the Bhoys, on his day he is more than capable of turning in good performances for the Hoops.
The most important thing for Welsh is that he has the support of the manager, and it seems that he has, as Ange Postecoglou looks to be a fan of the player, and he has featured regularly in the Celtic squad when he has been fit, and that must be a real boost to Welsh’s confidence.
Only time will tell if Welsh starts for the Hoops in Germany, that will depend on the availability of Carter-Vickers, but he will know that he will have to up his level of performance for the Bhoys, but he should also be supported by the Celtic fans, as it can’t be easy for a player coming into the Hoops side that knows that he won’t always be first-choice for the club.
Wonder if Ange has considered giving Ralston a try at centre back………he looks the part.
Anthony Ralston at Centre Back c’mon!
I love the guy, he gives 100% every game. He’s solid and reliable and gets into some great attacking positions. He’s able to do this in the “Inverted Full Back” role. At Centre Back Anthony would be expected to hold his position and this would take away the marauding qualities we’ve come accustomed to. As things stand I don’t think we need to have makeshift Centre Backs, the guys we have are all competent and on their day more than a match for the opposition. Let’s get behind the team and show our appreciation and support! Hail Hail ☘️☘️