But he insists he retains his trust in the Parkhead board to make the right appointment.

With Ange Postecoglou set to be announced as the new Hoops boss ending over 100 days of management limbo, Welsh will be able to get on with the job of impressing the new man after his breakthrough season last term. 

The 21-year-old made 21 appearances for Celtic last season and was rewarded with a new four-year contract in April. But he will have to prove himself all over again, along with the rest of his colleagues, with Champions League qualifiers coming up quickly.

He said: "We’ll let the board deal with it - they’re very good at it. I think it will be ok. We know the games are going to come thick and fast. It’s just about adapting and dealing with it. We’ll let the club deal with it in the proper way.

"I think everyone has to prove themselves with someone new coming in. Every season, even the older players, you have to prove yourself every time, working hard and playing well.

"We’ve always had qualifiers really early in the past couple of years. We’ve got big friendlies coming up against good sides like West Ham. They will be tough games so we have to come back in good shape.

"For me, it’s always been a dream to play for Celtic. To do that in any season is good but next season I need to go and establish myself as a first-team player. Celtic is built on winning trophies and successful teams.

"The qualifiers are always massive games, not least financially for the club and for us as players to go and play in the Champions League is massive. There is always anxiety going into the Champions League qualifiers, but hopefully, we will be ready.

"We’re letting the club deal with it as best they can. I’m sure they will do that. I am only a player. All I need to do is get back fit for pre-season and let the club hierarchy deal with all that."

Welsh, who played in Scotland Under 21s' 3-2 win over Northern Ireland at the weekend when goals from Tom Clayton, Ben Williamson and a Glenn Middleton penalty gave them the victory, admits he will be disappointed when central defensive colleague Kristopher Ajer is sold, after the Norwegian announced he would be leaving.

He said: "Working together as a partnership, I thought we fitted in well together. He has done well. He’s a great character for the team day in, day out. He’s a bubbly guy. First and foremost, he’s a brilliant player and a good leader for the team. He's still a Celtic player, but if he does go he will hard to replace. But you could say that about every Celtic player."