Celtic are poised to bring 21-year-old defender Dane Murray back from his loan spell at Queen’s Park, reports RecordSport.
The Scottish centre-half is set to bolster the Hoops’ defensive depth as Stephen Welsh prepares for a temporary switch to KV Mechelen in Belgium.
Murray’s return to Parkhead isn’t just about covering defensive gaps; it also helps satisfy UEFA’s homegrown player quota for European competitions. He’ll likely be included in the squad if Celtic make it out of the league phase and into the knockout round.
The young defender has endured a difficult few years plagued by injuries, but his performances at Queen’s Park have demonstrated a resurgence in form and fitness.
The player has attracted a lot of interest after his impressive six months, but he’s set to to stay at Celtic, at least until the summer.
Brendan Rodgers is reportedly keen to see how Murray fits into the squad as the team prepares for a packed fixture schedule, both domestically and in Europe. Murray’s recall could see him slot into the role of backup centre-half, providing vital cover for Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Liam Scales.
Meanwhile, as we reported on Monday, Stephen Welsh looks set to join KV Mechelen on loan in the January transfer window. The 24-year-old has struggled for regular first-team opportunities this season, making just two appearances for the Hoops.
A move to the Belgian top flight offers Welsh a chance to reignite his career with consistent game time.
