Stephen Welsh’s brief cameo at Hampden on Sunday was an unfortunate one. The Scotland U21 captain came on in place of the injured Greg Taylor. As Tony Ralston filled in at left-back, Welsh was given the task of playing at right-back against Ryan Kent and Calvin Bassey. Ultimately, Rangers’ winner would come from this side but Welsh’s abilities at right-back cannot be singled out as the reason Ange Postecoglou’s side lost.
Welsh is a central defender. He is a player that is at the beginning of a promising career in the Hoops. Last season he proved that he would be able to come into the team and perform at a decent level. This season, he has been used sparingly but has always carried himself well. However, at his stage, a loan deal would allow him the game time and necessary exposure to really kick on and establish himself under Ange Postecoglou.
Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers have been the favoured central pairing this season with Christopher Jullien returning from his long term injury meaning that the competition for places has intensified. Whether Carter-Vickers is retained or not remains to be seen but it is clear that Welsh isn’t yet at the level of the USA Internationalist.
Welsh first made his debut in the 2019/20 season in a win over Hamilton but backed up an impressive debut with solid displays last season, where defensive stability was thin on the ground. Welsh will be hoping to kick on under Postecoglou but will know that opportunities will be limited if, as is expected, Celtic make a move for Carter-Vickers. A move to the EFL Championship or even Hibs/Aberdeen would let Welsh gain valuable game time and setting him up for a return in the first team.
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