Stephen Welsh completes loan move to KV Mechelen

Celtic defender Stephen Welsh has completed a loan move to KV Mechelen.

The 24-year old joins the Belgian side on a deal until the end of the season.

Welsh found himself out of favour with Brendan Rodgers this campaign - making just two appearances in all competitions.

Dane Murray was recalled from his loan spell at Queen's Park earlier this month to allow Welsh to complete his move.

He told the club's official website: "I want to fight my way into the team as soon as possible.

"Mechelen have shown for some time that they would like to have me there.

“I am delighted to be able to sign for this great club.

"In the coming months I want to fight together with the team and the supporters and achieve great results. I am looking forward to it.

"My contract here runs until the summer, so I will do everything I can to be successful with the team. My full focus now is on being able to play for KV as soon as possible."

Sporting director Tim Matthys added: "“Finally he is with us.

“We had already made a number of attempts (this summer) to bring Stephen here. What did not work then, has now been completed.

"Stephen is the reinforcement we needed in the short term. He will give our defensive compartment a solid injection of quality. His arrival is important to sharpen the competition and give our coach more options at the back."

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