Liam Scales has turned into Celtic cult hero. His performances since the start of the season have been nothing short of stellar…
Netting his second goal of the season for the Hoops on Wednesday night, the Player of the Match never put a foot wrong. Again. Whether that be winning his personal battle against Slovakian frontman David Strelec or playing on the front foot with forward passes, it was a performance to remember for the Irish defender.
Competition for places at Celtic has never been stronger. The acquisition of American defender Auston Trusty for a large fee does not automatically mean he will pair with his fellow countryman Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Since stepping in as an emergency centre-back at the start of last season, consistency levels mean he has held onto his position. Defenders such as Gustaf Lagerbielke, Yuki Koboyashi, Maik Nawrocki and Nat Phillips all went down the pecking order due to the admirable performances of Scales.
The turnaround in the defender’s career is remarkable. His story is compelling. It was only in January 2023 that he featured in Aberdeen’s worst 10 days in the clubs living memory. The 26 year-old featured in Aberdeen’s 5-0 drubbing against Hearts at Tynecastle, followed by the biggest shock in Scottish Cup history against West of Scotland League side Darvel and he was then sent off against Hibs in a 6-0 defeat five days later. It is amazing how football can play out.
It is most bewildering that despite displaying exceptional performances for Celtic domestically, new Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson did not give Scales a single minute in recent Nations League fixtures against England and Greece. There is no other Ireland player except Adam Idah and Caiomhin Kelleher (who will not play) that will feature in Europe’s top club competition this season. Maybe Hallgrimsson will have a rethink about his defensive options in October.
Brendan Rodgers praised the outstanding contribution Scales made in Celtic’s 5-1 battering over Slovan Bratislava, “I have seen that all my life as a coach, the British or Irish players they might not be the stellar names, but these are the guys that stand up every week for you.”
The biggest compliment that can be paid to Liam Scales is that when Auston Trusty was preparing to come on for his competitive debut, not a single supporter in the stadium was surprised that it was Cameron Carter-Vickers who departed the field rather than Scales. This speaks volumes about how consistent and reliable the manager sees the Irishman.
Crucially, he understands the roots of the club. He has become a leader in the dressing room and most importantly on the pitch. The centre-back is well drilled in the patterns of play that the manager emphasises about control and patience when having the ball.
Defensively sound, he won 11 duels against Slovan Bratislava – the most of any player in matchday one of the Champions League. After signing a four-year contract in May, Scales is undoubtedly a mainstay in this Celtic squad.
Hitherto under-appreciated, maybe now Scales will get the recognition he rightfully deserves.
Conor Spence
COMING SOON ON CELTIC STAR BOOKS…CELTIC IN THE THIRTIES, VOL 1&2 BY MATT CORR…
