Celtic recall defender Welsh from Motherwell loan

Celtic have recalled defender Stephen Welsh from his loan at Motherwell.

Welsh, 25, has made 17 appearances since joining Well in September, helping Jens Berthel Askou's side record nine clean sheets.

Welsh was previously loaned out by Celtic to Greenock Morton and Belgian side Mechelen.

The defending Scottish Premiership champions, who defeated Dundee United 4-0 on Saturday, signed right-back Julian Araujo at the start of the January transfer window and Welsh bolsters Martin O'Neill's central defensive options.

Liam Scales and Auston Trusty partnered each other at the heart of Celtic's defence against United while United States centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers is recovering from long-term injury.