One of the great strengths of Brendan Rodgers’ game is his ability to improve players and take them to the next level.
When Rodgers returned to Celtic last summer, many were surprised by his return, but he had a tougher job on his hands compared to his first spell because of the platform the man before him had left.
Not only had Ange Postecoglou won the Treble in his final season at Celtic, but it could be argued that he did it in a far better style than Rodgers.
So, in that sense, there wasn’t much room for Rodgers to manoeuvre, but he found a way, including winning the double and that famous late winner in the Scottish Cup final.
Many great stories were written, from the six-month loan spell of Adam Idah, and the standout performances of Matt O’Riley to just winning the title again.
But there is a story perhaps better than all of them and Alan Hutton feels it came amid the player having ‘question marks’ over his head.
Liam Scales has proven people wrong with Celtic performances
This time last season, there were injury issues to Celtic’s backline and Liam Scales had just returned from his loan spell at Aberdeen.
It seems as though if everyone was available to Rodgers, then the Irishman would have probably headed for the exit door again.
But that chance opened up and he took it with both hands, even if many people were questioning him, according to Alan Hutton, speaking to Premier Sports.
The former right-back feels some were even suggesting that Celtic needed to buy another centre-back, but Scales has come in, got better with each game and should now keep his place in the XI amid the fight for places alongside Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
“I think he will keep him (Carter-Vickers) with Scales, at this moment in time,” said Hutton about who should start for the Bhoys at centre-back.
“What he has done. He has been there for a long period of time now, playing. I think he is getting better with every single game. It was kind of unfair for Scales at one stage.
“The question mark was always there. People were saying ‘they probably need another centre-half to come in’. I think he has answered all those questions. Stood up to it and just become better week on week.”
The Lennoxtown chats that helped Scales’ rise at Celtic
Everyone can see the work and effort Scales is putting in on that pitch and it has made him a fan favourite.
But what many don’t see is the work he is putting in behind the scenes and what has happened at Lennoxtown during these past 12 months that has helped his rise.
When Scales’ performances were improving last season, he shared in October how talks with the likes of Carter-Vickers helped him take his game to the next level.
“I am learning a lot from him,” said Scales about Carter-Vickers. “He has been very successful and is a massive player for the club. We can both be vocal towards each other when we need to be.
“We are getting to know each other’s game and thinking a little bit more alike in training sessions. In and around the training ground we will have a chat about different moments in games and how we can help each other out.”
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