Greg Taylor has hailed Stephen Welsh for his leadership skills after the youngster emerged as a vital player for Celtic.
The defender has been in the team in recent weeks and partnering Kristoffer Ajer at centre back after a horrible season for the Hoops on the pitch.
Neil Lennon's men have struggled to compete with Rangers and sit 21 points behind their rivals following the weekend's games.
But Taylor insists Welsh has come in and been a leader in the defence and is a real positive on the entire squad after a 'difficult' period at Celtic Park.
Fans have been desperate for him to get a run of games after growing frustrated at the performances of loanee Shane Duffy and Nir Bitton.
Welsh got the opener in the 2-1 win over Motherwell on Saturday which lead to the club winning back to back games and Taylor was thrilled with his performance.
He said: "Welshy (Stephen Welsh) is not a quiet lad. Even at the start of the season. He leads and he talks. That is definitely beneficial for him and that is the reason he is doing so well at the moment.
"He’s done superbly, really good. It was a terrific goal that he scored with a great delivery from Dave Turnbull and Welshy did really well. His all-round performance was superb, just the same as last Wednesday at Kilmarnock.
"It was difficult for him at the start of the season, as it was for us all during that period. We lost a couple of games on the bounce and it was not easy for anyone within the squad.
"But Welshy acquitted himself well in those games and ever since he has come back into the side he has been a breath of fresh air. Alongside Kris (Ajer), they have made a good partnership."
