This kid has heart as much as he much frustrate the heck out of us at times. When I am clapping today I will be putting just a little more effort to it for Welshie. I like players with heart, those who stay long after practise to work on their game. I like Welsh and I hope things turn for him. Welsh - get it done!!!!!!! Aug 18, 2007 04:30 AM MORGAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER For Andy Welsh, success in MLS depends on two factors: consistency and confidence. Since signing with Toronto this winter the 24-year-old midfielder has struggled with both, despite his $204,750 (U.S.) salary (fourth-highest on the team) and Premier League pedigree (21 games with Sunderland from 2004 to 2007). A part-time starter these days, Welsh refuses to discuss what he calls "negative" subjects, like whether his performance this season – a goal and three assists – falls short of what he expected when he signed with Toronto. Still, he admits, sitting on the bench stings. And it's not doing much for his confidence. "It's difficult not starting every game," he says. "I have to perform well on the field, but I haven't been able to get consistency." That's the dilemma for head coach Mo Johnston. While Welsh says more playing time will boost his confidence and consistency, Johnston says Welsh would earn his confidence and play more if he was more consistent. "He's been practising well, but he's not been sharp in the games," Johnston said. "He has created some goals and he scored against Houston and that's what we're looking for from him." Welsh started Toronto's first 12 league games, recording two of his three assists in consecutive games in June. But since then he has struggled, prompting Johnston to bench him for a July 1 game in Kansas City. Since then he has remained a substitute, even as injuries sidelined five starters. Midfielder Carl Robinson, who has known Welsh since they played together at Sunderland, says the situation has weighed on Welsh, whom he calls a "confidence player." But he admires how Welsh has tried to solve the problem. With hard work. "His reaction (to being benched) has been brilliant. He puts his head down and he gets on with it," said Robinson. Most days after practice, while his teammates head to the locker room, Welsh remains on the field, drilling himself on dribbling or taking free kicks. Yesterday he took short passes and tried to blast them past backup goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic from 20 yards out. "You've got to work hard on everything," he said. "You can't sit back and relax." Yesterday, when the starters scrimmaged against the substitutes, Welsh found himself in an uncomfortable, yet familiar position – in a white jersey, playing alongside the backups. But when he pounced on a pass from Joey Melo and put it past goalkeeper Kenny Stamatopoulos, starters and subs alike congratulated him. Andrea Lombardo trotted over and handed him a red singlet, which meant Welsh was part of the first team again – for now.
I'd like to see Melo on the field working with welsh at one point, maybe we're on to something. Actually, nah...I doubt it. It's welsh we're talking about.