Stephen Welsh’s hopes of securing a permanent move away from Celtic this summer have been thrown into doubt after he limped off with a shoulder injury during tonight’s win over Cork City.
The centre-back came on at half-time wearing the captain’s armband, but his outing turned into a nightmare.
Moments after a mix-up with Ross Doohan gifted Cork their equaliser, Welsh was forced off after a heavy collision with the keeper. He was seen leaving the pitch with his shirt used as a makeshift sling, visibly distressed.
A permanent exit looked likely, but any move may now be on hold depending on the severity of the setback.
Before being substituted, Welsh had nearly made up for the defensive mistake, going close with a header from a corner.
But the night ultimately ended in frustration for the defender, who has struggled with shoulder issues in the past.
Ross Doohan, meanwhile, looked uncertain throughout the second half. The summer signing failed to command his area and his lack of communication with Welsh contributed directly to Cork’s goal.
It was a tough shift for both players in a second half that lacked the control Celtic had shown before the break.
