On-loan Celtic defender Liam Scales is reaping the rewards of his temporary move to Aberdeen after receiving an international call-up for Ireland.
The 24-year-old has made a strong start to the campaign following his move to join Jim Goodwin’s side at Pittodrie.
Having only joined the Hoops from Shamrock Rovers last summer, Scales felt it was beneficial to head out and earn regular game-time in the Scottish Premiership.
During his first season at Parkhead, the Irishman featured a total of 19 times under Ange Postecoglou, with the majority of his appearances coming in the opening half of the campaign.
Scales even managed to get himself on the scoresheet on two occasions, including a fantastic strike in one of his final appearances against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup.
However, he failed to break into Postecoglou’s plans, and during the summer window, the full-back was moved out on loan before being replaced by Alexandro Bernabei.
During his opening few months on loan at Aberdeen, Scales has made a good impression on the Dons support and his manager.
Playing at the centre of defence, the on-loan Celtic man has already featured 11 times in competitive action for Aberdeen so far this campaign.
At this early stage of the season, Jim Goodwin has made his intentions clear of his club’s hopes of signing the Hoops defender permanently.
His latest appearance for the Dons ended in disappointment, though, after he received two yellow cards in the first 45 minutes during his side’s 3-1 defeat against Hibernian on Saturday.
But, despite the disappointment of that sending-off, Liam Scales was handed a boost this morning after it was announced he had been called up to the Ireland international team.
With Norwich City defender Andrew Omobamidele dropping out of the squad, it was confirmed that Scales would now be joining up with his nation ahead of fixtures against Scotland and Armenia next week.
So far, Scales has only made six appearances for his nation at under-21 level. So, this international break, he will be hoping to earn his first cap.
It just goes to show the benefits that going out and gaining regular game time elsewhere can get you.
Whilst Aberdeen may hold an interest in signing Scales permanently; it will be interesting to see the stance of the player and Celtic come next summer.
We wish the defender all the best of luck ahead of his international ventures, and I am sure he will be keen to keep up his form in the Scottish Premiership when he returns from suspension.
In other news, Ex-Celtic midfielder sacked after just three months in charge at English club.
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