Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has heaped praised on Coatbridge's Stephen Welsh after his contributions at Parkhead this season.
The Scotland u21s international hasn't played a Premiership match since December as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt impress in central defence.
He has featured in some squads and played European and Scottish Cup matches in 2022, despite a lack of league fixtures.
Welsh's last start in Premiership action came on Boxing Day against St Johnstone - who Celtic face on Saturday - and overall he's appeared 22 times across all competitions.
Postecoglou says the ace from Coatbridge points to the Parkhead club's great strength in depth.
He said: "We've got 26 or 27 players who not only want to be part of the first-team squad, but part of the squad on a weekend.
"We've got some fantastic players in the squad. Stephen Welsh has been outstanding for us but unfortunately we can't fit him into the squad because of the balance.
"You need to be ready and train hard every day. We select a team and a squad that we think will get the job done for us every week.
"We do that, we analyse it and we do the same thing the following week. Every player in front of me has an opportunity to show what they can do."
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