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‘He did nothing wrong’ – Harsh Liam Scales Celtic decision shows squad strength

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Pat Bonner reckons Liam Scales can feel hard done by after being dropped for Celtic’s clash with Aberdeen.

The Irishman was left on the bench by Brendan Rodgers as Cameron Carter-Vickers returned to the fold to partner summer signing Auston Trusty at the back.

Even before kick-off fans were left feeling sympathetic towards Scales who has really grown into his spot at centre-back for the club in recent times.

The defender has been a standout in some big games including in the Champions League and against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership but Rodgers had a decision to make at Hampden this afternoon.

Celtic v Aberdeen - Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

The big call paid off as Celts romped to a staggering 6-0 victory over the Dons with Carter-Vickers even chipping in with a headed goal on the way to a clean sheet and a comprehensive win.

But Bonner, speaking on BBC Sportsound, admitted he did feel for his countryman who was left on the sidelines to accommodate the American pair at the back to strut their stuff.

Asked who Rodgers should consider picking as his top two at central defence, Bonner acknowledged that the Northern Irishman has a difficult choice on his hands, now.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty as a partnership didn’t put a foot wrong

Both Scales and Trusty have established a decent partnership alongside each other in recent fixtures while CCV and Scales have also paired well together in the past.

Trusty and CCV have now had two comfortable outings in a row beside each other and that gives Rodgers options.

But Bonner reckons Scales has done nothing wrong to merit being dropped – and that is why it might be more difficult for the 26-year-old to accept.

“I talked before the game that Scales would be disappointed because he hadn’t done anything wrong,” Packie said.

Liam Scales has been man of the match in Champions League ties for Celtic

“It’s not as if to say he’s a better player than Trusty or Carter-Vickers but he hasn’t done anything wrong to justify being left out of the team.

“If you’re in the team in a position you’re playing really well then you kind of almost deserve to stay in it until that changes, that’s the point.

“He can go with either combination and they’re a good combination. But that’s the manager’s job.”