Welsh's Comeback
Alistair Johnston received a succinct two-word comment from Matt O'Riley after his impressive display against Feyenoord.
The Hoops' full-back showcased defensive prowess with a series of crucial late blocks, denying the Dutch giants in their attempts to equalize, especially in the final moments following Gustaf Lagerbielke's goal deep into added time. The Canada international's determination to clear the danger, hurdling across his teammates, elicited a sigh of relief from the Parkhead faithful. Brendan Rodgers and his troops celebrated a significant moment, ending a prolonged wait for victory on Europe's grand stage.
In a surprising move, Stephen Welsh, partnering with Liam Scales due to Cameron Carter-Vickers' absence, made his first start of the season. Despite months of limited involvement, Welsh, fighting his way back and overcoming injuries, demonstrated his capability with a solid 75-minute performance. Delighted with his outing, he shared on Instagram: "Great result against a top side. Nice to be back."
O'Riley, displaying his skill with a pivotal assist for the winning goal, commented on Johnston's post, saying, "What a guy, man," accompanied by a green heart emoji. The midfielder also expressed his thoughts on teammate Hart, using a grinning face emoji alongside a picture of a hug. His comment, "Blocking hell," reflected the intensity of the match.
Despite Tomoki Iwata's early injury exit after 18 minutes, he showed support with a series of thumbs-up and clapping emojis. Additional comments from Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma reflected the team's celebration of their 2-1 win. While the victory may not have impacted qualification or group standings, Callum McGregor and the team savored the moment, with Rodgers emphasizing its significance.
Post-match, Rodgers praised players for growth, resilience, and emphasized victory's importance. He highlighted the need to strengthen the squad for future competitions, expressing confidence in the team's ability to qualify and progress despite challenges with key players.
