Charlie Mulgrew has praised Liam Scales for his performances at Celtic this season with the Republic of Ireland international cementing himself as a first-team regular.
Scales has made 15 appearances for Celtic this season despite not even being in the squad for the first two Scottish Premiership games of the season.
Injuries to Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh, and Cameron Carter-Vickers meant Scales was thrown into the starting 11 against St Johnstone in August. The Irish centre-back has not looked back since, going on to become one of Celtic’s star players so far this season. This is despite being close to joining Aberdeen in the summer after a loan spell at the Dons last season.
Mulgrew, who played 206 times for Celtic, spoke of the impact Scales has had at the club this season. The Irishman is in line to receive a well-deserved contract extension amidst an incredible run of form, with Brendan Rodgers indicating that representatives of Liam Scales and Celtic will soon be in discussions.
Mulgrew suggested Scales could be a player of the year contender, stating [Official Celtic FC Podcast]: “Liam’s definitely up there with Kyogo, Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley. He’s been there when it has counted, and it’s still quite early days in the season, but I’m sure he’ll want to stay in there and win stuff, and there’s no reason why he can’t if he continues to perform the way he has.
“International recognition is another similarity [to me]. That started to happen for me as well with Scotland, and all these things fall into place, and it can change your life and your career. But the most important thing is you focus on your game, and if results come, brilliant.”
Alongside Carter-Vickers, Scales has formed a very functional partnership at the heart of Celtic’s defence.
He has actually become undroppable from Rodgers’ line-up, even with Nawrocki returning from injury. This speaks more about Scales’ form than Nawrocki, who did look impressive at the start of the season before his hamstring injury.
The Irish defender has become a stalwart at the back and appears to have a great future at the club. At only 25 years old, he will continue to grow as a defender under Rodgers’ coaching.
It’s always nice when a hidden gem is discovered, especially when it helped see Celtic through an injury crisis.
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