Scottish media are correct, Celtic have made a mistake over Stephen Welsh
Swansea centre-back Stephen Welsh made his senior Scotland debut on Saturday in a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the Nations League.
The 26-year-old left Celtic in the summer transfer window, after having his contract terminated as a gesture of good will.
The defender had only had a year left on it and had massively impressed on loan at Motherwell for the campaign, earning Championship interest.
Welsh has been excellent for Swansea in England's second tier, and was rewarded with a first cap that came with a clean sheet for his nation on Saturday.
Born on the outskirts of Glasgow, Welsh joined Celtic as a boy in 2008 and eventually made his senior debut in 2020.
But loans to KV Mechelen and Motherwell have never seen the centre-back return with a regular spot in the starting XI, leading to his eventual departure in search of a new home.
Scotland media impressed by Stephen Welsh
Welsh will have more difficult tests than the Slovenian front line, but it was certainly a strong start to his Scotland career on Saturday.
The 26-year-old completed 51 of his 56 attempted passes, delivering an accurate cross and producing a big chance for Kieron Bowie.
The centre-back also completed three of his attempted four long balls, and had two shots himself.
But it was Welsh's defensive work which really stood out. He made three clearances and two recoveries, winning two duels on the night.
"One of two debutants in the starting line-up, the Swansea defender looked right at home on the international stage," wrote the Scotsman after the game, awarding him a seven out of 10.
"Snuffed out the danger after McKenna's slack pass sparked a counter. Unable to direct a lobbed second half effort on target. Excellent slide rule pass to set up Bowie's first chance. A first cap to be proud of."
Celtic's Welsh mistake clear
Swansea have conceded just six goals in the Championship so far this season and sit top of the league, having won five of their eight games.
Welsh has been a key part of that transformation, and his success points to how badly Celtic got the decision to not give him a chance.
The Hoops have conceded seven goals across their last three games, with two of the three defeats coming in the Old Firm derby.
"I owe a lot to Jens [Berthel Askou] and the way he got me playing," Welsh said this week, in a further blow for Celtic. "He completely changed the way I play and the way I see football.
"The way my whole career has panned out over the last 18 months has been amazing."