Celtic set to accept Stephen Welsh bid ‘soon’ after twist – expert
Frank McAvennie has urged Stephen Welsh to leave Celtic “sooner rather than later”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker insisted Welsh will be a “great player” for another team but has fallen too far down the pecking order at Parkhead.
According to Sky Sports (10 January), the Celts are willing to listen to offers for the 22-year-old and he is attracting interest from clubs in Europe and the MLS.
Ange Postecoglou is said to be a fan of the defender but understands his need for regular football.
The Green and Whites knocked back a season-long loan bid from Toulouse in the summer that included an option-to-buy for £3.5million.
The Scottish champions are also believed to have turned down an approach from Udinese for the centre-back earlier this year.
On 23 November, the Hoops confirmed the signing of Japanese centre-back Yuki Kobayashi on a five-year deal.
McAvennie insisted Welsh will struggle for game time.
“I think they have got cover there,” he told Football Insider.
“They have now got [Carl] Starfelt, [Cameron] Carter-Vickers, [Moritz] Jenz and another one from Japan who has come in and not had a game yet. So that will be the running order.
“Stephen will be passed down the pecking order. He has done a great job for Celtic but at times, coming up against good players, he seems inexperienced.
“I think he is a good backup. He will be a great player for another team. The way Celtic play, he has been caught a few times.
“If he goes somewhere else and plays every week he will become better. I do not want anyone to leave Celtic but I think Stephen will want to play football. I think he is going to go sooner rather than later.“
In other news, an expert has suggested the real reason Giorgos Giakoumakis could quit Celtic after latest development.