Celtic defender Liam Scales is becoming quite the influence in both boxes for club and country this campaign.
The Republic of Ireland had been on a poor run of form, comprising only one win in their last eight fixtures against Hungary.
Nevertheless, Liam Scales got himself on the scoresheet against Finland to pull his side level at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, rising highest to head home Robbie Brady’s ball in.
Two minutes from time, Brady turned the hero to grant Heimir Hallgrímsson his first victory since replacing Stephen Kenny in the dugout.
On the night, Scales won ten of his 11 duels for Ireland and enjoyed an overall solid display as the Boys in Green thwarted the hosts, bar a mistake from Nathan Collins to cede the advantage.
Speaking after an emotional night in the Finnish capital, the Celtic man opened up after playing his part in a much-needed triumph for his country.
Liam Scales speaks out after scoring for Ireland
Per RTE, Celtic man Scales shared his delight after scoring his first goal in Ireland colours to grant his side three Nations League points in Helsinki.
He stated: “It’s brilliant, it was a great feeling, and the fans just make it that bit better. We’ve been due a win, especially away from home, and to win it like that was brilliant.
“I don’t get many; I’ve had a few this season already. In the last 10 or 15 games, I’ve more than I had in the previous two seasons already.
“Droughts come as well as a defender but hopefully I can chip in with a few more. It’s always been top of the list for me, so to check that off is amazing. I’ll reflect on it tonight and take it all in.”
Match-winner Brady also commended Scales and Festy Ebosele for their role in helping Ireland turn the tide, stating: “Scalesy’s done unbelievable to get himself a goal and Festy was a bit of magic, I thought he did excellently when he came on; pace and power and a great delivery for the second.”
Liam Scales has established himself with Celtic and Ireland
Continuing his rise to prominence, Scales is a key player for the Scottish Premiership champions and has now made another mark on the international scene into the bargain.
It would’ve been hard to imagine this scenario just over a year ago, but it is credit to the former Shamrock Rovers man for taking every opportunity he has to keep on progressing.
Leading the way under Brendan Rodgers in light of Cameron Carter-Vickers’ latest Celtic injury, Scales is now firmly a first pick in the pecking order due to his reliability and regular availability.
Hopefully, he can continue to shine for club and country, continuing a brilliant ascent in the game that nobody could’ve predicted.
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