Stephen Welsh Credits Motherwell Coaching for Scotland Call-Up After Celtic Frustration

Former Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has credited Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou with transforming his career and helping him earn his first senior Scotland call-up. Welsh, who recently signed for Swansea City, has started every Championship match this season for the league leaders. He believes his development under Askou at Fir Park was crucial to securing his move to England and his subsequent international recognition.

Welsh made 70 senior appearances for Celtic before leaving the club by mutual consent in the summer of 2026. He played 29 times during his season-long stint at Motherwell, which he credits for providing the regular first-team minutes he lacked at Parkhead. Scotland manager Sébastien Pocognoli has now included the former Under-21 captain in his senior squad.