Stephen Welsh has been at Celtic long enough to count more than a few in, and count them out too. And no matter how big the name, or how good the player may be, the show still goes on.

That’s not to say he wants to see any of his teammates to leave the club during this transfer window, least of all key men like Matt O’Riley – reportedly subject of a bid from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid yesterday – or fellow centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, even though his departure might open up more first team opportunities for the 24-year-old.

The futures of those players may well be the talk of the steamie in the media and on fan message boards, but within the inner Celtic sanctum, it is strictly business as usual.

As far as Welsh and the rest of Brendan Rodgers’ squad is concerned, nothing has changed, and the priority remains to keep pulling in the same direction towards the defence of their title and the Scottish Cup.

“This is what happens historically at a big club like Celtic,” Welsh said.

“The best players and the ones who have performed at Champions League level are going to get touted.

READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers in Rangers penalty dig after Celtic offside

“That’s the way it is. Us players don’t really look at it, we just concentrate on the football.

“It is pretty common. If it’s going to happen, then it happens. But until someone signs on the dotted line the only club everyone is focused on is Celtic.

“All of us think the same. It’s about progressing and working hard for this club. The boys have a great attitude. It doesn’t really matter who gets linked away, no one really thinks about it.

“Everyone is content here. There is a real tunnel vision to go and win the next two trophies.”

One man who has come into Celtic during this month has been pacey winger Nick Kuhn, and Welsh revealed that the £3m capture from Rapid Vienna is up there with the quickest players at the club.

Though, perhaps he still has a little way to go to rival fellow flying wide man Daizen Maeda.

“He looks really sharp,” he said.

“I’m glad I’ve been on his team in training so far! He looks a nightmare to defend against.

“Nicolas has come in and brought a good spark to training. Every time he gets on the ball he is looking to beat a man. I kind of like that in a player. I like giving the ball to a winger and seeing if he can beat a full back.

“He’s got a good finish on him as well. I’m really looking forward to seeing him this weekend and the rest of the season.

“We heard he was quick and that is definitely the case. He’s rapid. I’m not sure if he can beat Daizen in a race though. No one is beating Daizen, he’s the fastest man I’ve seen in my life!”

Celtic return to league duty this week after returning to action with the Scottish Cup win over Buckie Thistle last weekend, a match which was a family affair for Welsh, with his cousin Josh Peters leading the line for the minnows at Celtic Park.

Peters had run his race by the time that Welsh was sent on for Celtic, so they didn’t appear on the pitch at the same time, but Welsh has made sure to mention the one-on-one chance that his cousin spurned as he watched on from the Celtic bench in the first half of the match.

All-in-all, he feels it was the perfect way for his side to slip back into the rhythm they managed to build up prior to the winter shutdown.

“It was a good game for us to start off our cup campaign again,” he said.

“It was a great day for the family and for the Buckie lads coming to Celtic Park. I’m sure it was a great experience for them but for us it was nice to get the job done.

“Josh had a big chance, he’s been getting pestered about it and I’ve mentioned it a few times! In fairness it was a good finish but a great save from Joe (Hart). He came off and I went on five minutes later – so the gaffer timed it brilliantly.

“I was just glad to be back after the shoulder problem and now I want to kick on for the rest of the season.

“It was good to score five excellent goals and even the disallowed ones were well worked goals.

READ MORE: Celtic perfect path with Kelleher at Liverpool crossroads

“I was delighted for wee Rocco (Vata) coming in and getting his first goal. It’s important for a young player to hit the ground running, especially up front.

“It’s also good seeing him doing the business when we only have Kyogo (Furuhashi) up front right now. He’ll need a bit of help in the next few weeks.

“We’re back in business and looking for another good performance against Ross County this weekend.”

*Stephen Welsh was speaking at a Celtic Podcast event at JD Sports in Glasgow's Argyle Street. JD Sports are Celtic's exclusive retail partner: https://www.jdsports.co.uk/sport/football/club/celtic/