Stephen Welsh did not need a long caption.
After a night that shook up the title race, the Celtic academy graduate took to Instagram with a simple message: “never give up, thanks for the support” alongside an image of himself mid celebration at Fir Park.
Welsh’s late equaliser for Motherwell denied Rangers two precious points just when it looked like the Ibrox side had weathered the storm. Down to ten men and trailing, Motherwell were up against it, despite being the better side. Then the ball broke kindly in the box and Welsh buried it, wheeling away in wild celebration.
And the goal did not go unnoticed.
The post quickly filled up with familiar names. Former Celtic right back and now Liverpool star Jeremie Frimpong was among the highest profile to react, giving it a big nod of approval. So too did ex Celtic captain Scott Brown and former goalkeeper Joe Hart to name a few. All players Welsh player alongside once upon a time.
Current Celtic players were just as quick to show their appreciation.
Alistair Johnston, Colby Donovan, Arne Engels, Kieran Tierney, Daizen Maeda and Viljami Sinisalo all interacted with the post.
That tells its own story. It was a big goal for Stephen personally and it was a big goal in terms of the title race.
Welsh may be on loan, but he is still very much one of their own. A Lennoxtown graduate and boyhood supporter, he has had to bide his time in recent seasons. Nights like this matter. For confidence. For recognition. For pride.
It was brilliant to see him enjoy the moment rather than downplay it.
The timing could not have been better. After a late win at Celtic Park, the Hoops sit just one point off Rangers with a game in hand. Welsh’s intervention ensured the pressure remains firmly on.
Now attention turns to Sunday.
Celtic are away to Killie knowing there is a real opportunity to capitalise further. Rangers and Hearts face each other, meaning at least one title rival will drop points. If Martin O’Neill’s side handle their business, they can take full advantage.
Momentum swings quickly at this stage of the season.
And there will likely be more twists with Celtic’s current performance levels meaning we can take nothing for granted.
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