Celtic defender Liam Scales has been named in Stephen Kenny’s Ireland Starting XI for this evening’s game against the Netherlands. Meanwhile, his Celtic teammate, Mikey Johnston has been named on the subs bench.
STARTING XI | Netherlands v Ireland
Evan Ferguson starts in Amsterdam alongside Callum Robinson as Dara O'Shea returns to the starting XI 💚
7.45pm KO (8.45pm local time) with a huge travelling support here in Amsterdam 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/Ot68W4Z3qY
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 18, 2023
Scales will partner Dara O’Shea at the back as Ireland look to finish their campaign with an unlikely positive result against the Dutch.
Scales is expected to be offered a new Celtic deal in the near future after his exceptional rise to the first team this season. After a loan spell at Aberdeen, the central defender was expected to make the move permanent but for injuries along Celtic’s back line, Brendan Rodgers had to rely on him. Scales took the opportunity with both hands and has excelled. New signings Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke will now need to work hard if they are to come in and get minutes from Scales.
Meanwhile, Johnston is on the periphery of the Celtic squad under Rodgers. His only cameo has been the 0-0 draw against Hibs at Easter Road. The January window may afford him the opportunity to move on.
