What a week it has been for Liam Scales and the Republic of Ireland.
On Sunday, Scales helped Ireland produce one of the great moments in the nation’s rich and colourful footballing history when Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side kept their 2026 World Cup hopes alive in dramatic fashion.
Troy Parrott’s hat-trick helped Ireland beat Hungary in their must-win World Cup qualifier, with Celtic’s hard-hitting defender providing the assist for the statue-worthy winning goal.
It’s the second time during this November international break that Scales has assisted Parrott, because he did the same as Ireland beat 10-man Portugal in Dublin last Thursday.
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How Celtic and Ireland fans reacted to Liam Scales vs Hungary
This is Scales raising his popularity to new heights because, whilst Parrott did very well to poach the winner in the 96th minute in Budapest, it was the Celtic man’s crucial header which opened that door.
It’s fair to say that Irish and Celtic fans are all in the same boat because they were rightfully giving the 27-year-old his much-deserved flowers.
Just a simple request from @MaedaMealOfThat: ‘Liam Scales deserves a statue for that, absolutely generational.’
@hctelfih is taking everything back: ‘Didn’t even realise it was Liam Scales that knocked it on for Parrott at the end, I take back everything I’ve ever said about the guy.’
@Seanofthedead79 praised Scales for how he has performed over the last two matches: ‘Don’t forget Liam Scales, he has been immense the last two games 🇮🇪🍀.’
@TadhgHickey pointed towards the Celtic man’s development: ‘Don’t forget Liam Scales. The man’s development in the last couple of seasons has been astonishing. Confident on the ball and very solid all night, pops up with his second vital assist in as many games.’
And the love for Scales continued, as @Rachel_Lynchx added: ‘Liam Scales. That’s the tweet, that’s it 🙌🏽💚.’
@mfitz_39 had a message for those who criticise Scales: ‘Convinced the people who hammer Liam Scales either don’t know anything about football or don’t watch him.’
What a week it has been, as @celticway1888 stated: ‘Another massive contribution from Liam Scales and a headed assist to help send Ireland into the World Cup playoffs. A massive week for the Celtic man. 👏’
Just pure faces from @IrishPropaganda: ‘Liam Scales, assists Troy Parrott’s first goal vs Portugal Liam Scales, assists Troy Parrott’s 3rd goal vs Hungary WHAT A MAN 🇮🇪💚.’
@enda_coll summed up Scales perfectly: ‘He is not a glamorous player. But if you want someone with heart, grit and a willingness to get his head on the ball in either box, Liam Scales is your man. Another big moment for him.’
Another message for the doubters, as @mattyfro1 stated: ‘If there are still any Celtic or Ireland (Or both) fans doubting this man.. I genuinely don’t think football is the sport for you. A colossus. An animal. And one of our own. Super Liam Scales. 🇮🇪.’
Scales’ game against Hungary in numbers
What also needs to be remembered is that this isn’t Scales playing at the heart of Ireland’s defence, but as a left-sided wing-back.
Perhaps it’s something for Celtic’s next permanent manager to note down.
Either way, Scales, after earning a Sofascore rating of 7.5 against Portugal, was handed another healthy rating of 7.0 against Hungary.
- Minutes played: 90+
- Assists: 1
- Big chances created: 1
- Key Passes: 1
- Passes in the opposition half: 10/18 (56%)
- Touches: 51
- Tackles won: 1
- Clearances: 8
- Blocked shots: 1
- Recoveries: 1
- Ground duels won: 2
- Aerial duels won: 2
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