Stephen Welsh makes a strong case for his Celtic future | OneFootball

Motherwell did both Celtic and Hearts a real turn yesterday by beating the Rangers at Ibrox…

Motherwell celebrate scoring a late winning goal during the Scottish Premiership match between the Rangers and Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on April 26, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

One of many Motherwell players who was a stand-out in that 3-2 win was none other than our very own Stephen Welsh, who is currently enjoying his time with The Steelmen on loan from the Hoops.

Stephen put in yet another outstanding showing in the claret and amber in the Fir Park side’s win at Ibrox, although he had his day interrupted due to being withdrawn through picking up an injury on 56th minutes. However his teammates held their nerve and recorded a vital win, to the delight of not just the Motherwell supporters, but those of a Celtic and Hearts persuasion also.

Stephen Welsh of Motherwell in action against the Rangers during the William Hill Premiership match between the Rangers and Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on April 26, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

The Celtic register defender himself enjoyed the result, as was evident in his post match vocal celebrations in the bowls of Ibrox, a moment that went viral much to the amusement of the Celtic supporters. Although for some reason or another, Stephen’s teammate Andy Halliday didn’t seem as pleased as he sulked away. That boy needs to remember who is paying his wages.

The Coatbridge born Celtic player, has been at the club for quite some time now, but has failed to hold down a regular starting slot under various managers including Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.

However he has been an outstanding performer while on an earlier loan in Belgium and has excelled in Jen Berthel Askou’s impressive Motherwell side this season, becoming a mainstay in the Dane’s impressive defensive unit, with the Fir Park side having conceded the second fewest amount of goals in the top six. That’s a testament to their strength at the back where Stephen Welsh is a crucial component.

The centre back who’s also had previous loan spells at Morton and Mechelen also chipped in with a vital last minute goal against our Glasgow rivals in a 1-1 draw back in February, so he’s certainly having a say in the title race, despite playing in the claret and amber of Motherwell.

Considering the turbulent campaign Celtic has been enduring, in a massive way down to injury, especially to our mainstay and rock at the back Cameron Carter Vickers, my view is that we could well have been doing with a player of Stephen’s calibre in a rather shaky backline.

Ironically Stephen was brought back in January due to a shortage of numbers at the back, but we gambled on a young unknown in the shape of Benjamin Arthur, when an experienced and on form Stephen Welsh was right under our noses.

That was Martin O’Neill’s call and when called upon Benjamin Arthur has equipped himself well in some major games especially against the Rangers. So it’s hard to argue too much with the veteran Celtic manager’s call on that one.

The next Celtic manager, and it could even be Jen Berthel Askou, could find a place in the Celtic squad for Stephen Welsh. Motherwell has a handful of players in the SPFL team of the season, Celtic has just one – Benjamin Nygren.

For quality additions for next season, Celtic seem very likely indeed to recruit from the Motherwell ranks. At least in Stephen Welsh he’s already our player and a fine one he is too.

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