Stephen Welsh earns first Scotland call-up just months after Celtic departure | OneFootball

Former Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has earned his first senior Scotland call-up just months after ending his near 20-year association with the Hoops.

Stephen Welsh of Celtic celebrates his goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on July 31, 2022. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

New Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli named Welsh in his extended 28-man squad on Tuesday afternoon, with the Swansea City centre-back one of five players receiving their first senior call-ups.

Welsh left Celtic during the summer after spending last season on loan at Motherwell, where he enjoyed arguably the strongest campaign of his career.

The 26-year-old mutually terminated his Celtic contract before joining Swansea, and the move has paid off so far. Welsh has started all seven of their matches this season, helping the Welsh club climb to second in the Championship.

There is further Celtic representation in Pocognoli’s first squad, with young right-back Colby Donovan earning his maiden senior call-up following his impressive breakthrough at Parkhead.

Luis Binks, Robbie Ure and Josh McPake are the other newcomers, while Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney has also been included.

Former Monaco and Union Saint-Gilloise boss Pocognoli took charge of Scotland following Steve Clarke’s resignation after this summer’s World Cup.

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