‘Buzzing’ Welsh aims to build on impressive start in Celtic defence

Stephen Welsh made an indelible mark in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Motherwell at Parkhead on Saturday and now hopes to cement his place in the team.

The 21-year-old defender bulleted in a header from a David Turnbull corner in the second minute to register his first Hoops goal.

Striker Odsonne Edouard fired in a second in the 51st minute and the home side were in control until Well midfielder Allan Campbell reduced the deficit in the 66th minute.

There was a nervy period of added time for Celtic, with substitute Diego Laxalt clearing off the line, but the points remained in the east end of Glasgow.

And after playing consecutive 90 minutes for Celtic for the first time following his return against Kilmarnock on Tuesday, Welsh spoke to the club’s YouTube channel about looking at home in the defence.

“I think it comes with a good run of games,” said the youth team product, who was “buzzing” to get his first Celtic goal.

“That’s two games in a row now, full 90 minutes, and I can only hope for more.

“That breeds confidence, especially with two wins in a row.

“I thought we were excellent in the first half, dominated the game and deserved our two-goal lead, but I thought we made it hard for ourselves with (conceding) a really poor goal.”

Motherwell boss Graham Alexander told the club’s official website: “We had our opportunities to get something from the game. We didn’t get the result but the performance was good and we have to take that into the coming games.”