Celtic defender Stephen Welsh returns from loan deal at Motherwell

Celtic have confirmed Stephen Welsh has been recalled from his loan spell at Motherwell.

The 25-year-old defender made 17 appearances in total for the Steelmen and helped them to fourth place in the William Hill Premiership.

The Hoops academy graduate had previous loan spells at Morton and Belgian side Mechelen.

Welsh, a former Scotland Under-21 player, will join up with Martin O’Neill’s squad ahead of Wednesday night’s match away to Falkirk.

Celtic, who beat Dundee United 4-0 at Parkhead on Saturday to begin O’Neill’s second spell as interim boss this season, signed right-back Julian Araujo at the start of the January transfer window, but Welsh will add to options in central defence.

The champions are currently third in the table, three points behind Old Firm rivals Rangers and six behind leaders Hearts.

A statement on Welsh’s return on Motherwell’s official website read: “We want to thank Stephen for his hard work during his time at Motherwell and wish him the very best for the future.”