Liam Scales has revealed his World Cup ambitions after watching teammates Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston qualify with Scotland…
Tierney’s stunning strike in added time put Steve Clarke’s side 3–2 up against Denmark to all but book their World Cup place, before Kenny McLean capped things off with a goal from his own half.
Scales had enjoyed success himself over the international break, playing an influential role in Ireland’s wins against Portugal and Hungary, where he provided an assist in both matches to help secure a play-off spot.
Following those impressive performances for his country, he relaxed to watch his club teammates play at Hampden – though his partner likely regretted choosing the seat beside him.
Speaking via Celtic TV, Scales said: “It was an amazing goal. I nearly knocked my fiancée off the couch when I jumped up to celebrate. I could see the ball dropping to KT – he was coming from the right on to his left foot – and it was a great finish. I’m delighted for him and it’s a massive achievement. We want to do the same in March.
“I didn’t think it could get much better than our result but that was brilliant, and for KT to get that goal was brilliant as well. He’s had a couple of hard years with injuries and, again, that’s what you dream of when you’re a kid – scoring the goal to qualify your nation for the World Cup, and he did that.”
Scales’ progression since joining Celtic four years ago has been shown this season. Once considered a peripheral figure under Ange Postecoglou and even appearing set for a permanent move to Aberdeen after his loan spell – he eventually forced his way into the first-team under Brendan Rodgers.
His eye-catching performances and regular game time at club level paved the way for his regular inclusion in the Ireland national squad.
“It’s been a mad four years but it’s what I wanted,” the Irishman said. “Back in 2021 I didn’t really look too far ahead of me. I’d just arrived and I knew I had a lot of work to do to get up to the level of the lads here and become a Celtic player.”
“It’s just been great to be given the opportunity to do that for Celtic and for Ireland. It’s what you dream of and there are a lot of kids in Ireland now who would love to be in my position in 10-15 years’ time, playing for Celtic and for Ireland, so I cherish every moment of it.”
Scales added: “We went into the camp knowing that not many people gave us a chance because we had to beat Portugal and Hungary away, and judging by our previous form that looked unlikely.”
“The first game was obviously brilliant in the Aviva to beat Portugal. We were really good defensively, we kept a clean sheet, we were strong and then to go away to Hungary and to be part of that goal is something that will live with me forever.”
“I’ve watched it back I don’t know how many times and emotionally, it’s probably one of the best moments I’ve had on a football pitch,” he continued.
“We know the job’s not done and we have to go in March and win two tough games (against Czechia, and then, hopefully, the winners of the Denmark v North Macedonia tie) but to have a chance to be able to do that, considering where we were a few weeks ago is brilliant.”
Conor Spence
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