Celtic dream comes true for Stephen Welsh as he takes big opportunity

Stephen Welsh grabbed his first Celtic goal in the 2-1 win over Motherwell on Saturday and said it was the chance he had been waiting for.

Welsh, 21, who is a former pupil of St Andrew’s High, opened the scoring two minutes into the game as he rose highest to bullet in a header from David Turnbull’s corner.

And while the 21-year-old defender from Coatbridge said the win was deserved, he conceded that Diego Laxalt’s goal-line clearance from a Harry Smith shot earned the points.

Welsh headed in David Turnbull's corner in the first minute of the game (SNS Group)

Welsh, who in July signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him at Celtic until 2023, said: “It was a great moment for me and one I’ve probably been waiting for.

“It was a great ball into the box from Davie – he does that every week, it’s my job to get on the end of it, and thankfully I did.

“It gave me confidence, given that it came so early in the game.

“I got a real boost from it, as it was only two minutes in.”

Neil Lennon's side took a much-needed three points (Getty Images)

At the other end, AC Milan loanee Laxalt’s last-gasp clearance kept the points at Celtic Park and Welsh said: “That was one of the best clearances I’ve ever seen.

“He went onto the pitch late on as a substitute too, but did really well for the team.

“He’s got the three points for us in the end.”

Welsh played in Celtic’s last two games back-to-back, with a 4-1 win at Kilmarnock in midweek, and says although Turnbull’s corner presented his first real chance, he needs to keep trying to score.

But he was pleased to take the man of the match award after what was an important win for Neil Lennon’s men after an inconsistent run of form.

Welsh added: “I can’t think of any other chances I’ve had in other games – that was probably my first one, so I’ll take it.

Diego Laxalt cleared Harry Smith's shot off the line in the last minute (SNS Group)

“The most important thing was to dig in and get the win, but as a centre-half I need to attack the ball at set-pieces and if I get a chance like that I need to take it.

“It’s a good feeling to get man of the match too, but the most important thing is we got the win.

“We’re just taking things game by game. Hopefully we can get a run of wins.”

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