Tomorrow marks the opening game of the Scottish Premiership campaign for the Hoops. Ross County are in town for Flag Day in Glasgow’s East End and it should be a wonderful occasion as we get set to raise the flag and celebrate last year’s wonderful achievements yet again for everyone involved at the club.
After that though, it is consigned to the history books and the real stuff will start and we’ll have to be ready to dig deep and go over the course once more. Our main rivals have apparently strengthened as they aim to chase the eight-times Treble winners. Celtic has dominated the Scottish footballing world for years now and we could end up out of sight if we qualify automatically for the UEFA Champions League group stages next season.
Stephen Welsh of Celtic heads in the first goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Aberdeen FC at Celtic Park on July 31, 2022 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
However, on tomorrow’s match I believe that Brendan Rodgers should start Stephen Welsh at right-back ahead of Tomoki Iwata. That’s if, as is very possible, Anthony Ralston is not fight enough or the manager thinks it’s not worth the risk with trips to Pittodrie and Ibrox to think about early on in the calendar this year.
Iwata, in my view, has looked somewhat ropey when flung into the deep end at defence. His natural position is in the sitting midifeld berth and some of the showings last season in defence were worrying as a supporter. Welsh is a natural defender and although not traditionally a right-back, I would argue he is a better fit at this moment in time than Iwata in Alistair Johnston’s absence.
Welsh can pass the ball well and he’s also good in the air despite his relative lack of height for a defender. In this first game of the season, I believe it would be prudent to put an actual defender at right-back as opposed to sticking Iwata there again. It also gives Welsh the chance of game time and show Rodgers his true potential and ability, if slightly out of position.
It should be interesting to see how Rodgers lines up tomorrow for certain. And of course you do remember who scored the opening goal of the season for Celtic this tine last year against Aberdeen? Yes, you’re right it was of course, Stephen Welsh.
Paul Gillespie
