Celtic interim boss John Kennedy has expressed his delight at youngster Stephen Welsh signing a new four-year contract at the club during the week.
Speaking in an interview with Celtic TV, Kennedy spoke about Welsh’s rise through the academy to now becoming a first-team regular in the side and how he has taken this chance with ‘both hands’.
“I have known him a long time. I have seen him being a young player at the academy and progress through. He has a terrific attitude, a real will to learn and work and it is no surprise he has gone in and done well.
“He has made himself a very important player for us which is a big benefit to us and he wants to commit his future to the club, which is good news for all. Again, you need a break at times and he has had a couple of opportunities but he has merited it. He deserves it.
“Everybody’s path is different as a young player. They are all so eager to do well and get in as quickly as they possibly can, but you also have to trust the process and sometimes it comes sooner, depending on your development, other times you have to be patient. Stephen is certainly one of those who have had to be patient but when the opportunity has come he has certainly taken it with both hands.”
