Welsh set for Mechelen loan move

Manager Brendan Rodgers says homegrown defender Stephen Welsh "helps create the culture" at Celtic, but concedes a proposed loan move to Mechelen would benefit the 24-year-old's career.

Welsh, who has played only twice this season, is expected to join the Belgian side this week on a deal until the summer.

"Stephen's a player that's pretty much been a part of the fabric of this club for so many years. He's one of the guys that helps create the culture because they've come through the system," said Rodgers.

"But there also comes a time when they need to look at their own career. So there's a possibility that he'll go out on loan, it's not confirmed yet."

Celtic have recalled Dane Murray from a loan spell at Queen's Park to pave the way for Welsh to depart given they play in the same position and the 21-year-old can help fill the club's quota of homegrown players for their Champions League squad.

"We've brought Dane back for that purpose," Rodgers said. "He's a young player that I really thought highly of, the bits I'd seen of him.

"He obviously had horrendous spell with injuries and we sent him to Queen's Park, where Callum (Davidson) and his team and the club done a brilliant job with him to ease him in.

"After a long injury period out, he virtually trained every day and got really good coaching. It was a fantastic club there."