‘What a shift’ – Forget Kieran Tierney, Celtic fans loved another defender’s performance

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And breathe, Celtic fans.

The Hoops just about beat St Mirren after Luke McCowan’s late goal got Celtic off to a winning start.

Chris Sutton admitted the Hoops weren’t at the races and the performance needs to be better going forward.

Kieran Tierney impressed Celtic fans before a slight knock cut his second debut short but there was another defender who also impressed.

• READ MORE: Celtic’s next signing spotted in the stands as Brendan Rodgers bolsters key position

Liam Scales catches the eye with defensive display

Liam Scales has regularly been at the forefront of the criticism directed at the club by supporters.

Scales hasn’t always shone in the green and white but produced a mammoth performance at the back, and his efforts were appreciated by the Bhoys faithful on social media.

@StandForCeltic said: “What a shift Liam Scales put in btw. Gave his all, can’t ask for any more than that.”

@MaedaMealOfThat added: “Dare I say Liam Scales had a great game?”

@IrishPropaganda commented: “Liam Scales was immense today for Celtic in their season opener. Gets a lot of criticism from Celtic fans but that is a great start to his season.”

@kevincostello3 said: “Liam Scales MOTM.”

Liam Scales’ stats vs St Mirren

According to Sofascore, Scales was Celtic’s second-best player on the pitch aside from Alistair Johnston.

The defender was also forced to play left-back due to Tierney’s injury, but didn’t let that faze him and he impressed.

One of the most common criticisms with the Ireland international is that his passing is off par, but a 92 per cent pass accuracy suggests that he has worked on that part of his game.

He also made seven clearances and rightfully earned his flowers.