Celtic defender set to remain out on loan at Motherwell

Stephen Welsh <i>(Image: Shutterstock)</i>
Stephen Welsh (Image: Shutterstock)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Celtic's Stephen Welsh is reportedly set to remain on loan at Motherwell for the rest of the season.

Welsh, an academy graduate and consistent starter for Motherwell, is said to be staying on despite a lack of defenders at Celtic and a change of formation at the back.

The Daily Record claims Celtic are 'delighted' with the 25-year-old's progress at the North Lanarkshire club since joining on loan in September.

The centre-back has become a regular starter in Jens Berthel Askou's side, making 15 appearances in all competitions so far.

There were suggestions he might return to his parent club due to their shortage of defenders, but reports now suggest this is not on the cards.

Since his debut against Hamilton Academical in 2020, Welsh has played 68 matches for Celtic, scoring four times.

Before making his senior debut, the young defender spent time on loan at Greenock Morton and had a stint at Belgian side Mechelen in 2025, where he made 17 appearances in the latter half of the 2024/25 season.

He played 90 minutes for Motherwell against Rangers last Saturday, with his side narrowly losing 1-0 to Danny Rohl's team at Ibrox, and will unfortunately be unable to play against his parent club on Tuesday night due to eligibility rules.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos