Motherwell did both Celtic and Hearts a real turn yesterday by beating the Rangers at Ibrox…
Motherwell celebrate scoring a late winning goal during the Scottish Premiership match between the Rangers and Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on April 26, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
One of many Motherwell players who was a stand-out in that 3-2 win was none other than our very own Stephen Welsh, who is currently enjoying his time with The Steelmen on loan from the Hoops.
POV from inside the limbs: https://t.co/2kurxUEqvJ pic.twitter.com/tkRfndcOij
— Goggsy 🏴 (@GoggsyNineNine) April 26, 2026
Stephen put in yet another outstanding showing in the claret and amber in the Fir Park side’s win at Ibrox, although he had his day interrupted due to being withdrawn through picking up an injury on 56th minutes. However his teammates held their nerve and recorded a vital win, to the delight of not just the Motherwell supporters, but those of a Celtic and Hearts persuasion also.
Stephen Welsh of Motherwell in action against the Rangers during the William Hill Premiership match between the Rangers and Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on April 26, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
The Celtic register defender himself enjoyed the result, as was evident in his post match vocal celebrations in the bowls of Ibrox, a moment that went viral much to the amusement of the Celtic supporters. Although for some reason or another, Stephen’s teammate Andy Halliday didn’t seem as pleased as he sulked away. That boy needs to remember who is paying his wages.
Stephen Welsh Off Injured and Celebrating Motherwells 3rd Goal 😂 pic.twitter.com/vw7bDmGzBP
— Patthebody (@pat_mcs) April 26, 2026
The Coatbridge born Celtic player, has been at the club for quite some time now, but has failed to hold down a regular starting slot under various managers including Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.
However he has been an outstanding performer while on an earlier loan in Belgium and has excelled in Jen Berthel Askou’s impressive Motherwell side this season, becoming a mainstay in the Dane’s impressive defensive unit, with the Fir Park side having conceded the second fewest amount of goals in the top six. That’s a testament to their strength at the back where Stephen Welsh is a crucial component.
The centre back who’s also had previous loan spells at Morton and Mechelen also chipped in with a vital last minute goal against our Glasgow rivals in a 1-1 draw back in February, so he’s certainly having a say in the title race, despite playing in the claret and amber of Motherwell.
🟠 Motherwell put a dent in Rangers’ title hopes with a late winner in a five-goal thriller at Ibrox ⤵️https://t.co/J4GhaUnfLJ
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 26, 2026
Considering the turbulent campaign Celtic has been enduring, in a massive way down to injury, especially to our mainstay and rock at the back Cameron Carter Vickers, my view is that we could well have been doing with a player of Stephen’s calibre in a rather shaky backline.
Ironically Stephen was brought back in January due to a shortage of numbers at the back, but we gambled on a young unknown in the shape of Benjamin Arthur, when an experienced and on form Stephen Welsh was right under our noses.
That was Martin O’Neill’s call and when called upon Benjamin Arthur has equipped himself well in some major games especially against the Rangers. So it’s hard to argue too much with the veteran Celtic manager’s call on that one.
Mon the well 🧡🧡 pic.twitter.com/OAZbz67MN8
— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) April 26, 2026
The next Celtic manager, and it could even be Jen Berthel Askou, could find a place in the Celtic squad for Stephen Welsh. Motherwell has a handful of players in the SPFL team of the season, Celtic has just one – Benjamin Nygren.
For quality additions for next season, Celtic seem very likely indeed to recruit from the Motherwell ranks. At least in Stephen Welsh he’s already our player and a fine one he is too.
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Daizen Maeda celebrates during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
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Again agreed that Welsh has had a very decent season this campaign, by the looks of things.
Yet that doesn’t mean that he will want to commit his future to ourselves either, even if a squad place was available to himself?
The simple reason is the amount of game time that could be available for himself?
If you look at the squad building process involved, it will mainly centre around the 25man, requirements for a European campaign.
How will a manager break that 25man down into categories?
Usually been 3 keepers, 9 defenders, 6 midfielders and 7 attacking options.
Even at that, there is still a requirement for extra players, in order to cover the amount of matches involved within the footballing calendar these days.
So if we are going to stick with a back 4, which I think a new manager would have to consider, especially with the players we already have under contract.
Then AJ and Ralston at right back, with Donovan as a B list player.
Tierney as our left back option, even if I believe that we should be looking to make Saracchi a permanent signing. Even got scales as a 3rd choice option if required?
At present, CCV, Trusty and scales looking like our main 3 CB options for next season, within a 20man SPFL match day squad.
Still leaves 2 CB squad positions to be filled, with Murray and potentially Welsh and even rocki as options?
Problem is the massively reduced playing time on offer, unless injuries impacts the situation like has occurred this season?
So potentially having 5 of our 8 homegrown quota within our defensive set up. Might sound useful in theory, but the quality factor, along with the reduced playing time available, are also factors any new manager has to take into consideration as well?
Think Welsh at his stage of his career is looking at more regular playing time available, hence Murray potentially more content in the back up role within our squad imo?
Of course that could all change with the arrival of a new manager in fairness, but somehow don’t think there will be to many changes next season in the CB positions, when you consider the 3 main options available at present imo?
If a deal can be sorted out for Julian at RB, struggling to see where ralston would fit into the equation of the squad building process also?
So could well be looking at some difficulties again, in just trying to fill our homegrown quota requirements, which remains a ridiculous situation to still find ourselves in?