Welsh starred in the Warriors' 19-15 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons over the weekend, picking up the man-of-the-match award in the process.
That accolade came on his first appearance since last year's PRO12 final in May, following shoulder surgery in the summer.
And the 28-year-old says he is looking to kick on.
"It is always tough coming back from an injury when you have been out for a few months," Welsh told The Scotsman.
"Clearly you have your rehab programme with weights fitness and such and everyone in the squad really encourages you along, but there is no substitute for game time.
"You can do all the fitness and gym work you want but it isn't the same as getting the playing time.
"I will need to perform well in training to keep my place and hopefully, if I do, I will get the nod. But it was a decent performance for my first one back and hopefully I have put my hand up.
"We have so much depth and top quality in that depth throughout the squad, whether it is tighthead, loosehead or wherever. So the competition for places is intense and the quality of the training in the scrum is the same and we are all pushing each other on."
Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12
Guinness PRO12
Suite 208, Alexandra House,
The Sweepstakes
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland