Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin has shared his delight after sealing a deal to sign Celtic’s Liam Scales on a season-long loan. The versatile defender was announced today as Celtic close in on the signing of Argentinian left-back Alexander Bernabei. However, Goodwin was pleased to bring his countryman to Pittodrie.
Goodwin told Aberdeen’s website that he had kept tabs on the player when he was St Mirren boss and was keen to bring him to Paisley. Although, tellingly, he states that he will be playing Scales as a central defender and not a back-up left back.
“Liam is a player that I have been trying to get for the last couple of years,” said the Dons boss on his third summer arrival. I watched him very closely during his time at Shamrock Rovers, unfortunately I couldn’t get a deal done.
“Liam is 23-years-old and has already amassed nearly 200 appearances in senior football. He’s a strong character with a winning mentality, who will no doubt be a great addition to the squad.
“He is coming in as a left sided centre half, which is the position I saw him play regularly for Shamrock Rovers, and the one we believe is his best position.
“He is aggressive, mobile, very comfortable on the ball and he has all the qualities you would want in a modern-day centre back.”
Scales was signed from Shamrock Rovers last summer and it was a deal that left many scratching their heads as it could only mean that he was coming in as defensive cover at centre-half. However, a deal was done to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers with it appearing that the Irishman would deputise to Greg Taylor on Celtic’s left side.
There is no downside to this deal for Celtic as the player gets minutes on the park in his preferred position, allowing him to stake a claim for a first team return and if he doesn’t do enough, he is in the shop window for prospective buyers.
