Bilbao boy lends Bhoys a hand for Betis
Stephen Welsh has revealed his secret weapon for uncovering what Celtic should expect from Real Betis in their Europa League opener after quizzing his Scotland Under-21 and Spanish-based team-mate, Ewan Urain.
After taking an estimated 80,000 fans to Seville for the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, there will be none inside the Estadio Benito Villamarín on Thursday after the hosts refused tickets.
However, Welsh has been busy gathering info on Manuel Pellegrini’s side from Urain, the young Scot who plays for Athletic Bilbao.
He said: “Ewan has told me about the stadium, the atmosphere and about their team, which has helped, but we know it will be a tough game – any away European game is.
“It’s a big competition and we’re all raring to go.”
Welsh has had a lot of faith invested in him by manager Ange Postecoglou, and has won plenty of praise for his performances so far this season.
The central defender admits he’s enjoying working for the Australian.
He said: “For me personally, it’s business as usual at Celtic. I just want to try to play as many games as possible.
“We’ve got a few quality new players in the door, and we’ve got competition for places. Signing a few new boys has meant the quality has risen.
“The new manager has helped me a lot. On the ball and off the ball, he’s been a big help. He’s given me my opportunity again, and I need to prove I deserve it.
“There’s no hiding away from the fact that losing at Ibrox was disappointing, but I came away with Scotland to Turkey and was fully focused with them. Now I’ll be concentrating on Celtic again.”
Welsh was handed the captain’s armband for the Under 21s respectable 1-1 draw against the Turks in their opening Euro 2023 qualifier.
He said: “I got told I was going to be captain in the team meeting before the game. It’s a massive, massive honour.
“Scot Gemmill didn’t make a big deal of it. We have plenty of leaders in the team, anyway, experienced players playing at first-team level.
“I just tried to do my normal thing, and be as vocal as I could on the pitch, and in the dressing-room. That doesn’t change from club to country.”