GREENOCK MORTON have confirmed that Celtic have today recalled central defender Stephen Welsh from his season long loan at the Championship side.
Celtic also moved to bring Ewan Henderson back from his own season long loan spell at Ross County but the reasons for these recalls are different. Henderson wasn’t getting the game time that Celtic had hoed for and will now rejoin the Celtic first team squad for the rest of the season.
Neil Lennon confirmed at today’s Media Conference ahead of the game against Ross County tomorrow that as Henderson played for Celtic at the start of the season in a European match he is ineligible for another loan – ending speculation that he could be used as a makeweight in a deal to bring Hibs winger Martin Boyle to Paradise from Easter Road.
“He’s played for us in a qualifier so he’ll be around the first-team training, we can’t loan him out to another club. We would’ve liked him to play more games but it’s good to see him back and he enjoyed his experience.”
🗣️ NL on Ewan Henderson: "He’s played for us in a qualifier so he’ll be around the first-team training, we can’t loan him out to another club. We would’ve liked him to play more games but it’s good to see him back and he enjoyed his experience."
More from the boss soon 🖥️
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 24, 2020
Celtic have also confirmed that Stephen Welsh is returning to club with Morton providing more details on the reason why – and it looks like Celtic have been watching the player and have been very impressed with his progress in the Championship.
A back-up central defender for the title run in? Looks like the 20 year old is our Bhoy! Welsh has played 18 games for Morton this season and returns to Celtic with immediate effect, where he will join up with Neil Lennon’s first team.
Stephen Welsh has been recalled from his loan at Greenock Morton and will return to #CelticFC. pic.twitter.com/tzrFxKb7az
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 24, 2020
Speaking exclusively to gmfc.net, Morton manager David Hopkin praised the defender and wish him well back at Celtic.
“Celtic have decided to recall Stephen early from his loan with us. The management team watched him recently and were very impressed with how he had developed as a player.
“He will go immediately into the first team set-up there and I am pleased that we were able to work with him and thankful to Celtic for giving us the opportunity.
“They have a few injuries at the moment therefore it’s the perfect chance for Stephen to be able to show what he can do and make an impression.
“His desire and determination have been excellent, and we have given him the experience of first team football in a very competitive league,” the Morton boss said.
And Hopkin hasn’t given up home of Celtic sending the player back down to Cappielow should our injury problems ease.
“Hopefully their injuries clear up and we are given the chance to take Stephen back on loan with us for the remainder of the season,” he said.
Meanwhile Neil Lennon confirmed today that Jeremie Frimpong will be missing tomorrow after being on the receiving end of a shocking challenge at Kilmarnock on Wednesday night.
“Jeremie Frimpong won’t be fit for tomorrow. He’s had a scan and we are waiting on the results. We don’t think it’s as bad as we first anticipated,” the Celtic manager revealed. Adding his thoughts on Power’s tackle. “The challenge was overly aggressive and could have easily been a red card. We’ll hopefully get him back as quickly as possible.”
🗣️ NL: "@JeremieFrimpong won’t be fit for tomorrow. He’s had a scan and we are waiting on the results. We don’t think it’s as bad as we first anticipated.”
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 24, 2020
🗣️ NL: “The challenge was overly aggressive and could have easily been a red card. We’ll hopefully get him back as quickly as possible.”
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 24, 2020
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