Pundit Exclusive: Lennon told to land two Celtic signings, 20yo ‘Not the answer’ | OneFootball

Celtic youngster Stephen Welsh is not the solution to the club’s problems at centre-half, according to Frank McAvennie.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Parkhead legend said that while the 20-year-old defender has impressed this season, the Hoops need to sign up to two more centre-backs.

Welsh dropped to the bench for the 0-0 draw with Livingston on Saturday despite an assured performance in the 1-1 draw with Hibernian five days earlier.

The former Scotland Under-19 international has made five appearances for Neil Lennon’s side this season, three in the Europa League and two in the Scottish Premiership.

However, McAvennie has not seen enough from the centre-half to suggest that he is the long-term answer to the club’s defensive problems.

“Stephen is one of the young boys that has played a bit before this period but I do not think he is the answer,” he told Football Insider.

“He has come in and done well at times, playing alongside experienced players that can help him. The games he has played, he can hold his head high because he has done alright – but he is not the answer.

“We need another centre-half, maybe two. Neil knows that. They cannot defend.”

Earlier this month, assistant manager John Kennedy revealed that the club were in the market for a centre-half this month.

The Hoops were interested in re-signing Filip Benkovic on loan but the Leicester City defender opted to move to Belgian side OH Leuven.

In other news, West Ham have been tipped to sign a Celtic player after two huge updates.