Former Celtic defender makes surprising admission after Scotland call-up

Former Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has credited his spell under Jens Berthel Askou at Motherwell with transforming his career following his first senior Scotland call-up. Welsh has subsequently moved to Swansea City, where regular first-team football has helped push the centre-back into the international picture.

His pathway away from Celtic Park began with the opportunity to play consistently at Fir Park, which resulted in a move to the English Champions. Now, in what may be a surprise revelation, Welsh admitted that JBA changed his view on football.

“I owe a lot to Jens and the way he got me playing,” Welsh said.

“He completely changed the way I play and the way I see football.”

The defender’s development represents a significant turnaround after first-team opportunities became increasingly difficult to secure at Celtic. It is surprising that Welsh has made this comment given that he was given roles under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.

Welsh came through the Parkhead academy and made 70 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring four goals, before seeking regular football elsewhere. Celtic allowed him to leave as a free in recognition of his time at the club but there was an argument that he could’ve been reintegrated by the new Celtic management team.

Welsh will now be hoping to impress in a Scotland jersey, combining his fine displays for Swansea with caps for the new look Scotland side.