Callum McGregor raves about 'outstanding' Celtic star after Aberdeen cameo 'calmed the game' at Pittodrie

Callum McGregor saluted Stephen Welsh and Celtic’s fearless new recruits for instantly adopting the siege mentality that prevented Aberdeen from slowing up the clinical champions.

The Parkhead skipper was thrilled at the courage of his side which matched their class to overcome a sticky pitch and feisty hosts to win at Pittodrie. Welsh was outstanding after coming on at half-time as a replacement for the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers. Odin Thiago Holm was forced into the fray after sub Reo Hatate sustained a knock, while Hyunjun Yang produced magic in his cameo to create a third goal for Matt O’Riley.

Welsh had not tasted first-team action since last October against St Johnstone. But, alongside new Pole Maik Nawrocki, the 23-year-old and his partner stood strong to help preserve Celtic’s advantage. Welsh scored on the opening day of last season against the Dons and proved problematic for the Reds again with his assured sub showing.

McGregor was full of praise and said: “I thought he was outstanding when he came on. He really calmed the game. He saw the pictures, could see the passes and that settled us and got us playing into our rhythm. I think Stephen has been outstanding.

“It is always difficult. You come in, you play well, you drop out the team, you come back, you drop out the team again. You have to be resilient, especially as an academy player. It is always easy for the club to go and buy players and it is a real challenge for the homegrown ones. But Welshy’s attitude has been outstanding and his quality is getting better. He is growing in stature. He is a player who can be really important for us as well.”

Rodgers also singled out the work of Welsh as well Norwegian Holm and South Korean Yang, who both delivered