Stephen Welsh

He's alright. Hopefully can develop further under Ange, who was a defender himself in his playing days.

Definitely wouldn't want him loaned him out this season though as I think we will need him.

 

Limped off not good

 

Classic Celtic luck.

 

Is Starfelt not due back anyway ? Jullien not far either is he ?

 

Typical

 

Limped off away to Ferencvaros as well and then played against Dundee. Hopefully he's ok

 

CELTIC starlet Stephen Welsh insists St Johnstone were 'unstoppable' in the Cups last season, but is adamant they can finally end their domestic trophy stranglehold at Hampden on Saturday.

The Perth Saints famously won both trophies last season as Callum Davidson's side lifted both the League Cup and Scottish Cup in what was regarded as an incredible achievement.

They're at it again this season with the McDiarmid Park side booking their place in the last four of the Premier Sports Cup where they will face a resurgent Celtic under the management of Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian going all out to win his first trophy for the Parkhead side at the first time of asking.




Scotland Under 21s captain Welsh shrugged off an injury knock when he limped off towards the end of Scot Gemmill's side's 2-0 Euro 2023 defeat to Belgium at Tannadice on Tuesday and the 21-year-old insists he will be available for the Hampden showdown.

And although the central defender is full of respect for St Johnstone's remarkable achievements last season, he believes their cup run will be ended this weekend, especially with the help of a Hampden Park which will crammed with Hoops fans having the vast majority of the stadium.


He said: "St Johnstone were excellent in the Cups last year - in fact they were almost unstoppable.

"So we know how tough a game it will be and how tough St Johnstone are to beat in the cup. They are a good side with really good players who are really well disciplined as well.




"But we've got some creative players in our team too as you have been seeing for the last few weeks. So we are going into this with confidence.

"We are on a good run just now before the international break and we want to continue that. It's a cup semi-final and a chance to get to the final so it's a massive game and I am sure everyone will be ready to go. Training will be the usual high-intensity and we are looking forward to the game. Hopefully, all our internationals will come back and we will prepare properly for it.




"I think every trophy, especially for us, is important. We didn't win one last season and that's the main aim - to get to a Cup Final. That's what we want to do at this club for the fans.

"We will have a great support at Hampden so we are really looking forward to it. Our support is the best. They always come in huge numbers and make a brilliant atmosphere. We are really looking forward to it. We need to use that to our advantage and hopefully, we can send them away to look forward to another cup final because that's the aim.

"Personally, 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."

Welsh suffered disappointment as Scotland Under 21s' hopes of reaching the Euros took a potentially fatal blow following their loss to the runaway group leaders. And he admits they need to be aiming to win all of their four remaining games in the group, even though three of them are away to Kazakhstan, Belgium and Denmark.

He said: "Belgium are obviously a good team who will go really far, but I thought we were good in spells. It was just wee moments in the game that they were particularly good at and moments where we need to get better. That's the level that we need to get at if we want to go to the Euros.



"We need to go into the remaining matches and try and win them all. The games away from home will be very important especially against the teams who are around us. We'll be back in March with two big games against Turkey and Kazakhstan that we are really looking forward to and we believe in our game plan."

 

Glad it was just a knock if Starfelt is still out. Saves us shoehorning Bitton there or risking Jullien too soon.

 

Given how thin the squad has been this year having him available is a real plus.

 

Yep, think he deserves the game time anyway but CCV and Starfelt were becoming a solid pairing in fairness.

Will be a bonus to have 4 good options to choose from when they're all fit.

 

He's turning into a decent player. Only thing I will say is that he's not the biggest for a centre half. But thats not too important if you can defend well. You dont need to be a collossus like Bobo Balde.

I still believe Julien will be our top centre half when he's fully fit and I'd like to sign Carter Vickers on a permanent deal but if Welsh hangs around and waits for his chance there's no reason he cant break into the first team. Look at Ralston. He was written off years ago and now look at him

 

He's no terrible, he just isn't anywhere near good enough for us..

 

Doesn’t make glaring howlers like an Efe or Duffy but the amount of key battles he loses at important times kills us.

Would far rather Murray gets a chance infront of him now.

 

He's an alright backup, but that's it. I hope Starfelt is fit for the weekend.

 

He let's ball's bounce alot. He's weak. Gets caught out of position or dragged out too often. His passing is isn't good enough..

 

Really missing Starfelt and that’s not something I thought I’d say.

 

Thought he did well, always does what's asked of him.

 

Thought he did well. Him or CCV for our best defender tonight.