95 passes, 6 aerial duels won: Celtic enforcer slips under the radar during 2-1 win Toggle

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Stephen Welsh is one centre-back in the Celtic ranks still fighting to pin down a regular place in Ange Postecoglou’s team.

The 21-year-old is a product of the Celtic youth academy and yesterday was his 37th appearance in the first team.

An opportunity has knocked for Welsh. Carl Starfelt is injured, with Christopher Jullien out long-term with a knee problem.

Liam Scales and Osaze Urhoghide are in the ranks but both are relatively raw and inexperienced at this stage.

That has seen Welsh thrown into the limelight alongside the typically outstanding Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Some statistics from yesterday’s game will have left Postecoglou beaming with pride at his centre-back.

As per Who Scored, Welsh was a man in fine form. Welsh attempted 95 passes with a staggering success rate of 93.7%.

Defensively, he was largely good too. He made five clearances which made him the most proficient Celtic defender in that department.

He also made two interceptions and won a superb six aerial duels against the opposition.

Celtic emerged victorious from a tough game against Aberdeen, with Jota and Callum McGregor scoring the goals.

It was the defensive solidity that provided the platform for the win though and Welsh was a big part of that.

Exciting: Postecoglou will be delighted with Celtic talent Welsh

Welsh has been an unused substitute for eight of Celtic’s 15 league games this season. As a result, it’s perhaps somewhat inaccurate to call him a first-team regular just yet.

His performance yesterday was brilliant though and it’s hard to knock the lad given the numbers he produced statistically.

Welsh is thriving alongside Carter-Vickers and the partnership doing great things must be delighting Postecoglou.

Celtic have a proud history with their youth academy. If Welsh continues showing the talent that was on display, it won’t be long before the Hoops boss makes him an integral part of the team.