It seems Celtic sent Stephen Welsh back to Motherwell at just the right time.
Welsh had returned to Celtic at the start of January, as Martin O’Neill was searching for centre-backs, and there was the suggestion he could stay at Parkhead.
But after Celtic signed Benjamin Arthur from Brentford on transfer deadline day, it allowed Welsh to return to Fir Park, and what a way to reintroduce himself to the Steelmen supporters.
Despite being down to ten men, Welsh scored for Motherwell against Rangers, earned his team a much-deserved point, and also provided Celtic with a helping hand in the Premiership title race.
Stephen Welsh – Credit: Sky SportsCeltic loanee Stephen Welsh reacts after scoring for Motherwell against Rangers
Those last few minutes of Wednesday night games could prove to be pivotal in who wins the Premiership title at the end of the season.
On the one hand, you had Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s winner for Celtic against Livingston in stoppage time, and then Welsh’s heroics.
But it’s fair to say Welsh enjoyed his goal because he wrote ‘have that’ on Instagram, and then proceeded to add: ‘Never give up. Thanks for your support.’
Sum up Stephen Welsh in one word after he provides Celtic with a helping hand…
Welsh’s stats for Motherwell against Rangers in numbers
When Welsh returned to Celtic last month, he was seen as the fourth choice centre-back behind Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and Dane Murray.
You do wonder if he continues to thrive in Motherwell colours, what happens to him in the summer, because he has been outstanding at Fir Park.
That was further proven by Welsh’s performance against Rangers.
Minutes played: 90Goals: 1Aerials won: 4Total tackles: 2Interceptions: 1Clearances: 7Touches: 76Passes: 64Passing accuracy: 79.5%Accurate long balls: 3WhoScored rating: 7.33Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox