The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Welsh has Saints in his cup sights
Stephen Welsh insists Celtic are steeled for battle against St Johnstone after describing the Perth side as “unstoppable” last term.
Callum Davidson’s double-winners continue their defence of the Premier Sports Cup on Saturday when they face the Hoops at Hampden.
Ange Postecoglou’s freeflowing outfit are firm favourites, having racked up seven wins from eight matches before the international hiatus, scoring 18 goals.
That sequence of results included a 2-0 win over the Saints at Celtic Park.
However, St Johnstone’s recent record at Mount Florida ensures Welsh is wary.
“St Johnstone were excellent in the cups last year – in fact they were almost unstoppable,” said the Scotland U21 star.
“We know how tough a game it will be and how difficult St Johnstone are to beat in these competitions.
“They are a good side with really good players, who are really well disciplined.
“But we’ve got some creative players in our team as you have been seeing for the last few weeks, so we are going into this with confidence.
“We were on a good run before the international break and we want to continue that.”
Welsh, meanwhile, is set to win his race for fitness as he seeks to be in contention for the Hampden showdown.
He limped off during Scotland U21s’ 2-0 defeat against Belgium at Tannadice on Tuesday evening.
However, the promising centre-half was anything but downcast after succumbing to the classy visitors.
“Belgium are a team who will go really far,” said Welsh.
“The boys did themselves justice out there – I thought we did well – but that’s the level we need to get to.”