Former Celtic star Frank McAvennie has claimed if he was in charge he would send Celtic defender Stephen Welsh out on loan come January.

Welsh has got some game time recently due to injuries to both Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers. The defender is clearly a back up for Ange, once CCV was back and fit, Welsh dropped to the bench with Moritz Jenz getting the nod beside Cameron.

Welsh has come in for some stick, especially after the St Mirren defeat, but many players weren’t right on the day. Stephen’s done an admiral job when he has played but I would agree that he’s currently fourth in the pecking order.

McAvennie told Football Insider. “I do not know if Welsh is the man for me,

“I think he is a pro that comes in, but when he does he ball watches. John Kennedy is there, and Stephen McManus, two centre-halves, you would think they would teach him.

“I think he has got to learn the basics. He is not the biggest centre-half. If somebody comes running they will beat him all day long.

“He is only young so I think he could be a good player. I would not get rid of him but I would try and put him on loan. Toughen him up, let him play every game and see how he does.

“They have got Starfelt, Jenz and Carter-Vickers who are in front of him. Welsh has not done much wrong but I would put him on loan.“

While Stephen is still young, he’s not an up and coming 19yo centre-back. The Scottish under 21 international is now 22 with his 23rd birthday coming up in January. If his game time is limited at Celtic, he might look to get out on loan.

However, Celtic can’t afford to lose Welsh at this juncture. As we’ve witnessed, key injuries at the same time means he’s needed in the Celtic squad.