Liam Scales had a league debut to remember for Celtic today.
The Ireland international, signed from Shamrock Rovers in the summer, had been limited to an appearance against Raith Rovers in the Premier Sports Cup. However, the Irishman was ready to take his chance when returnee Greg Taylor had done his part for Celtic against Dundee United.
And take it, he did. Scales looked to find pockets of space in central areas on the ball, while showing the defensive grit that made him such an exciting prospect. He capped his performance with a very well-taken goal, a shot rifled low past Benjamin Siegrist.
Scales’ inclusion was a surprise, even off the bench. However, Ange Postecoglou has insisted that the chances will come for squad players, if they maintain high standards in training.
Postecoglou said [BBC Sportsound, 14.03]:
“Scalesy’s worked his backside off without a lot of reward in terms of opportunities. There’s a number in the squad like that.
“As I keep saying to them, whether you’re playing or not, it’s what you do on a daily basis that gets you ready for [inclusion]. I can’t guarantee them when that opportunity’s going to come. If they keep doing the right things, the opportunities will come.
“He did well today. Not just with his goal but coming in and having to deal with some pressure there. Like all the other young players, we give them the opportunities, we give them the platform to improve, and the rest is up to them.”
Liam Scales has done nothing but impress for Celtic in brief showings
For Liam Scales, it couldn’t have been a better cameo appearance for Celtic today. Nothing keeps you in the minds of supporters like a goal, especially if you’re a defender.
Although this, like Raith Rovers, was a brief outing, he was impressive again. Against the Kirkcaldy side, Scales impressed with his directness, comfort on the ball and bravery in 50/50s. That was very much the case again, up against top-level competition in Dundee United.
Admittedly, he has plenty of competition. He may still be loaned out to progress further. But in actual match time, he’s done nothing but impress.
Celtic absolutely deserved a third goal today, perhaps a few more in fact. When the chance came to Scales, he took it with aplomb. He also won his only aerial duel, recovered the ball out of possession and essentially kept Niskanen from doing even remote damage to Celtic’s lead.
The CV may be limited in terms of Liam Scales and his impact at Celtic. You can’t argue that he hasn’t embraced every single one of the few minutes he’s played, though.
He’ll have signed knowing what he was up against. His stock will have risen after today.
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