Celtic star lauded for now being ‘first name on teamsheet’ after transforming under Brendan Rodgers

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Let’s be honest, Brendan Rodgers’ second spell didn’t go as planned.

Yes, Rodgers won four trophies in his return to Celtic colours, but there was more gloom and negative noise than when he was first here in Glasgow.

But when Rodgers looks back on his second spell in charge, one of the big positives he can take from it is what he did for Celtic centre-back Liam Scales.

During the summer of 2023, it looked and felt like Scales’ career at Parkhead was over, and he probably was going to head back on loan to Aberdeen or something of that nature.

But then it all changed…

• READ MORE: Who is Liam Scales? Meet Celtic’s Irish-speaking centre-back

Liam Scales’ rise in Celtic colours

Over the last few years, Scales has established himself as a first-team player, and during the November international break, he enjoyed one of his high moments.

Scales supplied the assist for Troy Parrott’s stoppage-time winner against Hungary, which keeps the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup hopes alive.

Speaking on Go Radio, Craig Moore wanted to give Scales his flowers, how he transformed under Rodgers, and is now ‘one of the first names on Celtic’s teamsheet.’

“Brilliant,” responded Moore on Scales’ assist on national duty. “A great leap. A great stage of the game. He gets that touch. Parrott gets his hat-trick.

“What an incredible evening. Late comeback. An incredible night for the Republic of Ireland.

“Liam Scales has been enormous. It’s a journey that I have enjoyed watching from a player, because when he went up to Aberdeen on loan. It looked as though he was working his way away from Celtic.

“Then, all of a sudden, due to some injuries, he comes back and gets himself involved. And the rest is history. He has made his own way. Probably now one of the first names on the Celtic teamsheet.”

Scales’ journey at Celtic

Don’t be kidded, this has been a rocky road for Scales, and even now, he still gets flak for his performances.

But one thing can’t be denied: he has perhaps been Celtic’s best player this term, and all of this stems from one thing.

“It’s a good story because it’s hard work,” added Moore.

“There are no guarantees in football. At the same time, if you prepare well and keep yourself ready. Once the opportunity presents itself, you have to grab it with both hands.”