Stephen Welsh has featured prominently in the various training scenes we have been enjoying coming out of Lennoxtown, with the defender seeming to be enjoying the new managerial regime under Ange Postecoglou. Welsh has been speaking to Celtic TV and the conversation inevitable centred on the first competitive match of the season against FC Midtjylland in a few weeks time.
But before that Celtic have the pre-season friendly matches which of course are essential to get the squad into the best possible situation to assist in Champions League progression.
Celtic’s first match is on Wednesday 7 July when they face Sheffield Wednesday at Newport, with our two recent arrivals from Hillsborough likely to feature. Kick-off in that one is 3pm incidentally. Then on Saturday 10 July, also at Newport, Celtic play Charlton Athletic (3pm) before travelling across the border to play Bristol City on Wednesday 14 July (7.45pm) in Bristol.
Then it’s Preston North End, with a return to Paradise for Invincible Celt Scotty Sinclair, on Saturday 17 July at Celtic Park (5.30pm) before the game against FC Midtjylland on Tuesday 20 July at Celtic Park in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier.
Welsh is certainly looking forward to these warm-up games as Postecoglou gets his players ready for the serious business against the Danes.
“I’m very much looking forward to it. They’ll be tough and physical matches and that’s exactly what we need going into the Champions League qualifier,” Welsh told Celtic TV.
“Pre-season training has been tough in this heat. It’s always going to be tough during pre-season, especially the first couple of weeks. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m getting up to speed with everything and looking forward to the games ahead now.,” Welsh added.
“It’s been brilliant, really positive and the sessions have been to a very high standard. It’s been very sharp and all football-based, which is exactly what you want as a player.
“You’re not stopping or hanging about. You’re doing one thing straight into the next, so the intensity is really good. The boys are working hard and trying to prove themselves so it’s been a good start to the pre-season.”
Looking ahead to the action starting next week against Sheffield Wednesday, Welsh can’t wait to get playing again. “I’m very much looking forward to the games,” said Welsh. “It’s good to get games under our belt against tough opposition in English Championship teams so it’ll be a good test for us.
“They’re going to physical and good footballers as well and that’s exactly what we need going into the Champions League qualifier.
“My aims are similar to last season in that I’m hoping for a consistent run of games. That starts with the pre-season friendlies and moves into the Champions League qualifiers. The games are going to come thick and fast so I’ll need to be ready for the games because it’s going to be a tough load on everyone.”
Watch his interview below with Celtic TV..
🗣️ “I’m very much looking forward to it. They’ll be tough and physical matches and that’s exactly what we need going into the Champions League qualifier.”@stephen_welsh17 on pre-season preparations and the Bhoys’ upcoming friendlies 🟢⚪️
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 3, 2021
