Liam Scales has rapidly established himself as something of a cult hero at Celtic, and his performances since the start of the season have been nothing short of outstanding.
The Irish defender scored his second goal of the campaign during Celtic’s dominant 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday night, in a match where he was named Player of the Match.
Whether it was winning his individual duel with Slovakian forward David Strelec or playing progressive, intelligent passes, Scales produced another flawless display.
Competition for places at Celtic is fierce, particularly in defence. The summer arrival of American centre-back Auston Trusty, who joined for a substantial fee, has not guaranteed him a starting spot alongside his compatriot, Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Scales has made sure of that. Since stepping in as an emergency centre-back at the start of last season, the 26-year-old’s consistency has ensured he remains a key figure.
Defenders such as Gustaf Lagerbielke, Yuki Koboyashi, Maik Nawrocki, and Nat Phillips have all found themselves behind Scales in the pecking order due to his impressive performances.
The turnaround in Scales’ career has been nothing short of remarkable. His journey to becoming a regular starter for Celtic is compelling.
It wasn’t long ago that he was enduring one of the lowest points of his career. In January 2023, Scales was part of an Aberdeen side that experienced one of the most humiliating periods in the club’s history.
He played in a 5-0 thrashing by Hearts at Tynecastle, was involved in the shock Scottish Cup defeat to minnows Darvel, and then saw red in a 6-0 hammering at Hibernian just five days later.
The contrast between that nightmare spell and his current form is a testament to his resilience and ability to bounce back.
Yet, despite his fine form, it’s bewildering that Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson overlooked Scales during recent Nations League fixtures against England and Greece.
The fact that Scales, alongside Adam Idah and Caoimhin Kelleher, is one of the few Irish players competing in this season’s Champions League only highlights the surprising nature of his omission.
Perhaps Hallgrimsson will reconsider his defensive options for the next round of international fixtures in October.
Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, has been full of praise for Scales, particularly after his dominant display against Slovan Bratislava.
“I have seen that all my life as a coach,” Rodgers said, “the British or Irish players, they might not be the stellar names, but these are the guys that stand up every week for you.”
One of the greatest compliments paid to Scales came when Trusty was preparing to make his competitive debut for Celtic. When the substitution was made, it was Cameron Carter-Vickers who left the field, not Scales. This decision reflected just how crucial and dependable the Irishman has become for Rodgers.
LIAM SCALES HITS BACK AT DOUBTERS:
Scales has not only proven himself defensively – winning 11 duels against Slovan Bratislava, the most of any player in the Champions League on matchday one – but he has also become a leader both on and off the pitch. Well-versed in Rodgers’ philosophy of control and patience, he has become integral to Celtic’s patterns of play.
Having signed a four-year contract in May, Liam Scales is undoubtedly a key figure in this Celtic side. Hitherto under-appreciated, perhaps now he will receive the recognition he truly deserves.