Scottish champions Celtic continued their frustrating start to life back in the Champions League with a 3-1 defeat to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening, with the Glasgow side currently bottom of their group having claimed just a solitary point thus far.

Despite another promising showing from the Hoops away in Germany, a mixture of missed chances and defensive lapses ultimately proved costly, with Marco Rose's side taking full advantage to clinch victory in the second half.

While the defensive unit had appeared far too open at times - allowing the lively Christopher Nkunku space to run in behind - the loss did showcase the quality of centre-back, Stephen Welsh, with the academy graduate having been a real shining light on the night.

The 22-year-old was deployed alongside summer signing Moritz Jenz for the third game running, amid the injury woes of both Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers, with the pair having previously looked somewhat shaky in recent weeks.

That was best illustrated in the defeat to St Mirren prior to the international break with the duo having been "all over the place", according to journalist Josh Bunting, while pundit Frank McAvennie subsequently suggested that they “don’t look as if they know each other".

Welsh, in particular, had been criticised for his "weak" defending - as described by BBC Sport pundit Michael Stewart - against the Buddies, having been outmuscled by striker Curtis Main in the build-up to Jonah Ayunga's strike.

With injuries impacting manager Ange Postecoglou's ability to make a change, however, the Scotland U21 international kept his place for the win over Motherwell, before the Hoops boss talked up the "great opportunity" for the young defender - and teammate Jenz - to impress ahead of the Leipzig tussle.

The £1.35m-rated ace certainly took that opportunity with both hands to illustrate that he is a figure to be relied upon moving forward, having been "very good" against a fluid attacking lineup, in the words of journalist Christopher Dodds.

That sentiment was echoed by ex-Bhoys striker Chris Sutton who suggested that the £10.5k-per-week man had given a "decent portrayal of himself", adequately filling the void of the aforementioned Carter-Vickers.

Glasgow Live's Ben Banks also lauded the Coatbridge-born starlet's 'bravery' in possession up against a 'menacing forward line', with the 6 foot 3 colossus having shown little sign of nerves against such elite opposition.

That is also evidenced by the fact that he enjoyed an impressive 95% pass accuracy rate on the night, while also showcasing his defensive solidity by recording six clearances and completing one interception.

Such an outing has served to quash any doubters regarding his position at the club, with Welsh having proven his talent on the big stage.