Liam Scales has been one of Celtic’s best players this season.
During a campaign where Celtic have had three different managers, you have to credit Scales for producing such consistent performances.
But on Sunday, for Celtic’s defeat to Hearts, which was Wilfried Nancy’s first game in charge, it proved to be a frustrating day for the champions of Scotland.
Chris Sutton was on commentary for Celtic’s top-of-the-table clash against Hearts, and he didn’t like what he was seeing from Scales.
- READ MORE: Derek McInnes notes Wilfried Nancy’s ‘very brave’ actions as he reacts to Celtic’s loss to Hearts
Chris Sutton critical of Liam Scales against Hearts
After Celtic’s fast start, including Daizen Maeda missing two big chances, the chances started to become few and far between for the Hoops.
With less than ten minutes left on the clock, Scales attempted an ambitious cross from deep as he stepped out of his centre-back area, near the flanks and into the opposition’s half.
But the ball in from Scales was too high and wide to trouble anyone, as Sutton didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Republic of Ireland international by telling him on Sky Sports Football (07/12/25) that he needs to understand his limits as a player.
“He needs to know his limits there, Liam Scales,” said Sutton. “He is trying a miracle pass there. A big fan of his. A good defender. But give it to somebody who can play.”
How would you rate the players’ performances?
Scales’ stats for Celtic against Hearts
It’s interesting that in Nancy’s new system, he opted for Scales to be the middle of the three centre-backs, with Auston Trusty to his right and Kieran Tierney on the other side.
You do wonder if that will change in the coming days, especially as Nancy gets to know the squad, as well as possibly using the January transfer window to bring in players.
Nonetheless, this is how Scales was rated by WhoScored for his performance against Hearts.
- Aerials won: 5
- Interceptions: 3
- Clearances: 5
- Fouls: 1
- Passes: 85
- Passing accuracy: 85.9%
- Crosses: 1
- Accurate Long Balls: 6
- Touches: 98
- Unsuccessful touches: 2
- Rating: 6.64
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