Liam Scales is well worth the proposed new Celtic deal

Liam Scales is well worth the proposed new Celtic deal…

Liam Scales at full time during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on December 16, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

There’s talk of a new deal in the pipeline for Liam Scales. The Irishman who was signed by Ange Postecoglou nearly three years ago is entering the last year of his deal and talks are said to be in the works to further extend his stay in Glasgow, presumably on a much better financial deal for the Ireland international defender who has become a first choice pick for the left hand side of Celtic central defence.

That would be quite a turnaround for Liam considering he was deemed surplus to requirements last summer as Barry Robson looked to bring him back to Pittodrie. Despite that decent loan spell at Aberdeen, it was expected Liam would play no part in the Brendan Rodgers part two era, indeed that was probably what Scales himself thought.

13th October 2023 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland International Football Group B Euro 2024 Qualifier, Republic of Ireland versus Greece Liam Scales of Ireland after the full time whistle. Photo ActionPlus Peter Fitzpatrick

However due to injuries, Liam was handed a starting place in the side and he’s remained there ever since making the left centre back role his own as he gained confidence and consistency which also earned him his breakthrough in the Irish side.

He’s put in some tremendous displays and looks ever so assured, even in the biggest stage of all in the Champions League. That’s a great testament to his character as well as his ability. Despite some having concerns over handing Liam a new deal (you can’t please everyone), the vast majority of Celtic supporters will be delighted to see Liam Scales extending his stay at the club.

IMAGO / Shutterstock – Photo by Kirk O Rourke/Shutterstock. Liam Scales of Celtic clears from Cyriel Dessers of theRangers during the Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox on 03 Sep 2023

Liam’s more than earned the right to do so, and as Brendan Rodgers wants him to stick around, few will think that this is the wrong call. On the contrary, it’s well deserved and long overdue.

Celtic in taking care of this deal are also looking at finalising a new contract for Rocco Vata who is now a regular member of the first team squad and has been on the bench in recent games, ahead of James Forrest who perhaps has had a knock in training?