Stephen Welsh proves Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou right as club hero suspects reason for Toulouse transfer shutdown

Stephen Welsh proved Ange Postecoglou’s judgement spot-on with his starring show on the opening-day of Celtic’s title defence. Now former skipper Tom Boyd believes the Parkhead kid can keep improving and put up a real fight to stay at the forefront of the gaffer’s thoughts and stake his claim for a regular starting slot.

With Swedish international Carl Starfelt not ready to return, Welsh got the nod ahead of new signing Moritz Jenz for the day-one defeat of Aberdeen. The Scotland Under-21 captain made an instant impact with the first goal of the team’s campaign which laid the platform for the victory.

More crucially, alongside first-pick Cameron Carter-Vickers, Welsh was able to cap the performance with an all-important clean sheet as Celtic went straight back to the summit of the table after just 90 minutes of the flag fight. Postecoglou made it clear he had no interest in allowing the defender to leave Glasgow’s East End after an offer was received by the club from French outfit Toulouse.

The manager feels Welsh can keep making steps within his squad and play a key role in the months ahead. Boyd, who was in his usual spot ringside seat for the Aberdeen encounter doing his analysis for the club’s TV channel, was impressed by the display of the 22-year-old.

And the ex-skipper is convinced there can be more to come as he said: “It was a very solid performance from Stephen and, obviously, getting a goal was a fantastic bonus to add to the performance and the growing reputation he is getting. On a performance like that, I’m sure he is going to get greater opportunities.

“Stephen is the guy who is in possession of that jersey right at this minute and I’m sure the manager will stick by that. Like any boy at that age, you need