“No better feeling” – What Stephen Welsh Enjoyed The Most Against Ayr

Celtic defender Stephen Welsh captained his side in their first pre-season friendly of the campaign on Friday night.

The central defender, who made just 14 appearances across all comPetitions last term, was given the ultimate show of faith by Brendan Rodgers as he donned the armband in the Bhoys’ 1-1 stalemate with Ayr United.

Now 24, Welsh always seems to have been rated by the past few Celtic managers. He knows the club well and is one of the key core of homegrown, Scottish players who maintain elite standards at Parkhead.

In the upcoming season, there will be undoubted comPetition for places at centre-back, but Rodgers has already shown faith in Welsh this season. For the player himself, that is unbeatable.

“As a young fan, that is the dream,” he said (Glasgow Times).

“Even in a pre-season friendly, there is no better feeling than that. I just went out and enjoyed it.

“That’s all you can ask for from the gaffer, if he trusts you then you trust yourself on the pitch.

“I was obviously delighted, but I think it’s about looking ahead to the next Games for us and we’re looking forward to that.”

The Hoops are next in action on Wednesday evening as they take on another Scottish Championship outfit in Queen’s Park.

Callum Davidson’s side will provide the champions with another solid test before they jet out to the USA for Games against DC United, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

By that point, supporters will be hoping some new signings are in the door with Flag Day less than a month away.