Stephen Welsh outlined his thoughts on the youngster who will partner him in the centre of the Celtic defence against Midtjylland this evening in an interview with Celtic TV and he is full of praise for Dane Murray.
“I know myself how difficult it is, all the oder boys will know, it’s really tough to come through to the first team so now he’s done that he needs to try to cement his place. Last week the circumstances weren’t the best, we were down to ten men but he came in and he was excellent, good on the ball, good defending so hopefully he continues it (this evening),” the more experienced Celtic central defender said to Celtic TV Presenter Gerry McCulloch.
“I’m still young myself but I’ll try to help Dane as much as possible because I know the position he’s in coming up (to the first team) and making his debut is tough. It’s obviously a great achievement but mentally it’s tough.
“You are always keen to prove yourself, I think with the players you have got around you as well. The quality we’ve got in the team is excellent, especially going forward so the boys in front of Dane will help him a lot especially Cal and Dave (McGregor and Turnbull). He’s got a lot of quality in front of him and he puts a lot of pressure on himself to go and perform,” Welsh added.
Photo: Jeff Holmes
On McGregor’s adjustment to his new role as Celtic captain Welsh reckons he’s got off to a great start. “I think he’s gone into the role very comfortably. Not a lot has changed, he’s slotted in there very well. He’s a natural leader anyway so the boys all listen to him in the changing-room and on the pitch his quality speaks for itself.
“He’s always been a big player for Celtic, he’s stepped into the captain’s role. It is a massive responsibility and a massive honour to be Celtic captain, hopefully he can take it in his stride and he can be a good captain for us,” Welsh added.
Here’s the full interview courtesy of Celtic TV
More must-reads: