Celtic: Welsh urged to leave in January

Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has been urged to make a move away from the Parkhead club during the upcoming January transfer window by BBC pundit Tam McManus.

The Lowdown: Welsh’s season so far

So far this season, the 22-year-old has made just six appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, which suggests that he’s not particularly high in Ange Postecoglou’s pecking order.

With the Hoops recently acquiring the services of defender Yuki Kobayashi, this could make Welsh’s chances of getting regular game time even thinner.

With the January window close to opening, the Scotsman has been backed to make a move away from Parkhead.

The Latest: Welsh backed for January exit

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus had this to say Welsh and his immediate future at Celtic ahead of January.

“He’s 22 now, he cannot be sat on the bench or in the stands every week. He has to go and play games for somebody. Celtic have depth at centre-back and now they have just signed Kobayashi as well.

“Welsh is well down the pecking order at Celtic now and he just has to leave. Whether he goes to Hibs, Hearts, Aberdeen or somewhere down south, he has to get away.

“Whether it is a loan deal or a permanent doesn’t matter right now. We’ll have to see what kind of offers come in but he is helping no one if he isn’t playing.

“I would be surprised if Welsh is still at Celtic when the window closes.”

The Verdict: The right move

Given the lack of regular game time he’s had so far this season, it would make sense for Welsh to potentially join another club on loan, where he’d be able to play on a consistent basis.

Even though he’s only played in four league games this season, his performances in those games have earned him a season rating (6.88/10), which makes him the lowest-rated centre-back at the club according to WhoScored.

What should Celtic do with Stephen Welsh in January?

Keep him in the squad

Loan him out

Sell him

With that in mind, it could be an idea for the club to move him on temporarily in January so he can improve his game and have a better chance of breaking into the team in the future or earning a permanent switch.