Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has revealed he should be fit and available for selection against St Johnstone on Saturday, The Daily Record report.

The Lowdown: Injury scare…

Welsh made his fifth and sixth appearances for Scotland’s Under-21 side during the international break, captaining his country to a 2-0 win over Kazakhstan.

The 21-year-old kept his place in the side against Belgium on Tuesday, however, he limped off with minutes remaining, with St Johnstone man Glenn Middleton also needing to be withdrawn due to injury.

That left both players’ availability for the League Cup semi-final in doubt, but it now seems as if the Celtic man will be ready to go at Hampden Park.

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The Latest: Welsh’s comments

Welsh, labelled as ‘excellent’ by pundit Paul John Dykes, was talking to the media and addressed his recent knock, admitting he was replaced as a precaution and labelled the knock as an ‘impact’ injury.

“I’m fine. It was a knock when their player had a shot and followed through on us, but I just came off as a precaution. I’ll be fine for the weekend.

“You’re always worried when you feel a bit of pain, but luckily it wasn’t a twist or anything. It was just pure impact so I should be fine.”

The Verdict: Relief…

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that summer signing Carl Starfelt, along with Tom Rogic and Giorgos Giakoumakis, probably won’t be fit for the League Cup semi-final on Saturday, and with Christopher Jullien also still sidelined, having Welsh fit is great news.

He’s been the player who has filled in for Starfelt prior to the international break in wins over Ferencvaros and Dundee, so you’d expect he could once again partner Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back.

If he doesn’t quite make it, Postecoglou may have to turn to the experience of versatile ace Nir Bitton, as summer signings Liam Scales and Osaze Urhoghide are yet to start a senior game in green and white.

In other news: Ange now wants to sign another forward for Celtic in January; came through same academy as Rogic.