FRANK MCAVENNIE has been less than enthused by Celtic youngster Stephen Welsh who he has branded as ‘not good enough’ speaking to the media this week.
The former Celtic player did wind it back a bit by then saying Welsh is ‘not ready yet’ but he was clear the defender shouldn’t be in the team.
Welsh broke through into the Celtic team last season in less than ideal circumstances. Christopher Jullien was injured for most of the season and Shane Duffy’s form meant the Irishman was not a viable option in the centre of defence.
Welsh came in and did alright under the circumstances.
McAvennie believes we need to think bigger if we’re to wrestle the league title back at the first time of asking.
“We definitely need another centre-half,” McAvennie told Football Insider.
“He’s a young boy who came in at the end of the season. He’s not good enough, he’s not ready yet.
“He’s only a young lad, he’s the smallest centre-half I’ve seen, and he’s come into a bad team. So you can’t lay any blame at his door for last season.
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“It was a collective thing, it wasn’t just Edouard, Ajer or Welsh. It was a combination of things between the lot of them.
“Everyone took their eye off the ball. They thought they’d just turn up and win it, and that’s been the frustration for the fans.“
If Welsh is pushed down the pecking order next season it would be ideal to send the defender out on loan to another SPFL club. Getting a full season under his belt away from the Celtic limelight could be the best thing for him.
A loan move to the lower leagues for Celtic players rarely work out – but they can have value sometimes.
Good job Ange is in charge or youngsters wouldn’t get a chance. The lad did a good job last season and with more playing time he’ll get better.
Wor Frank speaking shite again..