Liam Scales has been something of a surprise package this season, except maybe to Aberdeen manager Barry Robson.
When Brendan Rodgers came into Celtic for the second time, Scales looked very much surplus to requirements after the club splashed out on Gustav Lagerbielke, and Maik Nawrocki to compete for a place alongside Cameron Carter Vickers. It looked even bleaker when Stephen Welsh was handed a new four year deal.
However an injury crisis developed at the back and that meant Liam was thrown into first team action. It was a case of a few Bhoys’ misery was one player’s gain as Liam took full advantage of the unlikely opportunity that presented itself, undoubtedly to the frustration of the former Celtic warrior now up at Pittodrie.
Scales has gone on to make a strong case to be a regular starter alongside CCV with some stellar performances particularly in Europe were he’s not looked out of place, and of course at Ibrox where he was the Man of the Match as Celtic won 1-0 thanks to a wonderful strike from Kyogo.
Those great displays caught the eye of Stephen Kenny who last night handed Liam Scales his first international cap for Ireland against Greece in Dublin. Although the Republic fell to a two nil defeat it will still have been a proud moment for Liam, who performed very well by all accounts.
Scales has been in a couple of international squads before, but that was just to make up the numbers due to injuries. This time he’s there on merit due to his terrific form at Celtic. He’s certainly earned his international recognition. Well done Liam, hopefully last night’s cap it’s the first of many.
🗣️ 'The one thing I've always wanted was to get a cap for my country!'
It was a bittersweet night for Liam Scales, as he made his senior debut, but succumbed to an agonising 0-2 defeat to Greece at home. | ⚽️
🎙️ @nathanmurf
Off The Ball Football with @williamhillire. pic.twitter.com/pdXHn7EH1n
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) October 13, 2023
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Morning Gossip: Well done to all our Bhoys on international duty this week. Delighted for Liam Scales who despite an Irish defeat had a very decent debut against Greece playing both left back and center half. His progress is a joy to watch. HH pic.twitter.com/QCAKghB0df
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) October 14, 2023
Liam Scales will play his first game for the Ireland senior side tonight 🇮🇪#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/saeqbms5f7
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) October 13, 2023
— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) October 13, 2023
— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) October 13, 2023
Brilliant for Scales!
100% deserved. Good luck to him tonight ☘️ https://t.co/9v1a48lbdT
— The Celtic Exchange (@CeltExchange) October 13, 2023
