Scales, Trusty and CCV – It’s Brendan’s task to pick two from three

Scales or Trusty? Who starts? It’s a tough one, but a great dilemma to have…

Liam Scales applauds the away support
(L-R) Kyogo Furuhashi, Liam Scales and James Forrest of Celtic FC salute the crowd at the end of the UEFA Champions League match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Celtic’s Big Strong Man

One of the toughest decisions facing Brendan Rodgers tonight is who partners CCV in the heart of the defence, assuming of course that Celtic’s Big Strong Man is selected.

Will it be the vastly improved Liam Scales or new boy Auston Trusty? My own preference would be Liam Scales, but the fact we have such a dilemma is very pleasing indeed. To have two players of that quality in contention for a starting place shows how much our squad has improved in strength and depth since last season.

Both players will feel aggrieved if they are left out, but the one that is giving the nod will know that there is no room for complacency as the other guy is ready to take his place, something we didn’t have the luxury of last season.

Kasper Schmeichel in discussion with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales
Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – UEFA Champions League – Kasper Schmeichel in discussion with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales during the match at Celtic Park on Wednesday September 18, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

Trusty and Scales developed a good partnership

Both Liam and Auston have played well together in the absence of CCV, particularly in the Champions League clash in Atalanta where they were both impressive and a big reason why we left with a clean sheet and a point.

But CCV is the main man at the back, and only one player can partner him. Auston played alongside his fellow American international midweek and looked more comfortable in his normal left side position, will that have a bearing on tomorrow’s starting line up? It’s a tough one to call, but a welcome head scratcher for the Celtic manager all the same.

Which two do you think will start?

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

1 Comment

  1. Wouldn’t be surprised if Rodgers went for 3 different CB partnerships, over the next 3 games?
    Wouldn’t be the usual approach for a manager to be taken, but with the differences of circumstances in opposition that we are facing, over the next 3 games, then we potentially could be in a position to mix and match accordingly?
    Think the sheep will continue to use the longer ball tonight, so the extra pace of Trusty could be an advantage over scales?
    Still believe scales is a better defender than Trusty at present, so scales would be the preferred option for the CL match, even if that might change in time?
    Hopefully there isn’t any need to risk CCV on that plastic at killie, especially as its giving CCV trouble in the past?
    Even if taking a mix and match approach isn’t the done thing usually with a CB partnership, first time in a very long time, that I can recall ourselves, if ever, to potentially take such an approach over 3 games?