FAI explain why Celtic’s Liam Scales will not play for Ireland against Portugal

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Liam Scales was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for their games against Portugal and Armenia.

Ireland are in Group F of 2026 World Cup qualifying and currently sit bottom after two games with one draw and one defeat.

They face a difficult trip to Lisbon on Saturday, but Celtic centre-back Scales won’t play a part in the match, as confirmed by the FAI.

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Scales won’t play vs Portugal due to family bereavement

Scales will sit out of the Portugal encounter due to a family bereavement, with Queens Park Rangers star Jimmy Dunne taking his place in the squad.

The FAI confirmed this on Thursday afternoon, posting on X: “Jimmy Dunne called into the squad for the Portugal and Armenia matches.

“Defender Liam Scales will not travel to Lisbon due to a family bereavement but will come back into the squad for the Armenia match. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.”

Scales played nine minutes in the 2-1 loss to Armenia in September, while not featuring at all in the draw with Hungary.

How to watch Ireland against Portugal and Armenia

Celtic fans may still pose an interest in the Ireland games, however, with former striker Adam Idah in the squad.

Idah was sold by Celtic to Swansea City on transfer deadline day for a fee of £7m, recouping the majority of the price paid by the Hoops to sign him in 2024.

Ireland face Portugal away on Saturday with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 BST, while Armenia are their opponents on Tuesday evening.

You can watch both games on Amazon Prime Video or RTE 2.