Celtic star revels in Hoops 'dream come true' as he makes family of Parkhead fans proud with major award

Stephen Welsh says his endeavour and effort is what has won him the Celtic Academy Player of the Year award.

While not featuring prominently in 2022, a strong first half to the season has earned the star from Coatbridge a coveted piece of recognition.

A centre-back, he has been routinely praised by manager Ange Postecoglou for what he gives the Hoops dressing room.

Welsh has been with Celtic his entire career and after a loan spell at Morton, he has established himself as a first-team member.

A Premiership title win beckons for him after a 1-1 draw with Rangers on Sunday kept them six points clear in first with three games to go.

Following that draw up with the prize at Celtic's Player of the Year awards night, the Lanarkshire star says it's a proud moment for his family.

He told Celtic TV: “I am very proud. It is every academy boy’s dream to step up and play for the first team.

“To have achieved that is special for both me and my family.

“Everyone in the family is a massive Celtic fan. So it’s a dream come true, but there is plenty more work to be done. It’s all about the sacrifices and dedication.

“There’s a lot of players with talent who don’t make it, so I believe it’s about hard work. Not a lot of boys will make it and that is evident with how hard it is to go on and be a Celtic first team player.

“Whether it’s guys like me and Anthony, or boys in the past, we’ve come through and proven it is possible. When you do that, it’s the best feeling in the world.”

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