Chris Sutton tells Wilfried Nancy that dropping ‘frustrating’ star would put Celtic ‘in a bit of bother’

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Celtic are in a transitional phase right now under Wilfried Nancy as the Frenchman looks to implement his own style on the team.

After Celtic’s defeat to Hearts, questions are already being raised about Nancy and his decision to rip up the playbook and go with an untried and untested 3-4-3 formation against the capital club.

The move backfired as Celtic lost 2-1 and, in truth, many players underperformed in the Parkhead defeat.

However, as Nancy may be pondering big changes for the Roma game, Chris Sutton has told the Celtic boss that there is one change he simply cannot make.

• READ MORE: Gordon Duncan tells Roger Hannah ‘we’ve got to be careful’ after hearing criticism of Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy

Chris Sutton says ‘phenomenal’ Liam Scales cannot be dropped by Celtic manager

The Liam Scales story is one that has captured the imagination of Celtic supporters. An ever-present in the Hoops starting line-up, the Irishman has been the one constant since the managerial changes this season.

And Sutton has warned Nancy that dropping Scales would put Celtic in a lot of trouble this season.

Sutton told The Warm Up, “What I’d say about Liam Scales right now, you talk about importance to the team, take Liam Scales out of the Celtic team and they’re in a bit of bother.

“Totally different positions, skill sets, but balls going into the box, Celtic box, can you name another player who is as dominant as Liam Scales is?

“I don’t think they have anybody else like him. I think Trusty can get roughed up at times. I think Trusty’s played well, since he’s gone into the team under Martin O’Neill.

“Liam Scales makes mistakes at times. Some of his passing can be frustrating, but in terms of what he brings defensively to Celtic, the basics, you know, the basics which you need in your team, I think he’s been phenomenal for Celtic.”

Liam Scales’ defensive Celtic stats this season

Scales has been an excellent no-nonsense defender for Celtic this season, and Sutton is correct, when it comes to defending, he is the best that Nancy has available.

Here is how the Irish international has fared for Celtic this season according to Fotmob:

• Rating: 7.51
• Duels won (per 90): 5.93
• Aerial duels won (per 90): 4.73
• Interceptions (per 90): 1.27
• Pass Accuracy: 92.7%

Scales has been great this season, and admittedly he was poor against Hearts, but outside of Cameron Carter-Vickers, do Celtic have a better defender?