‘I think Liam Scales will be surprised’: Celtic sent a message about their in-form centre-back

Add as preferred source on Google

James McFadden thinks even Liam Scales himself will be ‘surprised’ by his performances for Celtic this season.

If it wasn’t for the injuries at the back for Celtic at the start of the campaign, then Liam Scales wouldn’t have earned the starts and minutes he already has under Brendan Rodgers. 

Given that he was out on-loan at Aberdeen last season, then he probably would have gone down the same road again this summer.

But when you are handed a chance, no matter how, it’s all about grasping it with both hands and the 25-year-old has done that to his fullest potential.

James McFadden says he has been ‘brave’ at the back by starting attacks for Celtic, as well as covering the defensive ground, as he told Sportscene. 

All of that continued over the weekend, as the Bhoys maintained their dominance at the top by beating Kilmarnock 3-1.

Liam Scales taking his chance

“I think Liam Scales will be surprised as well,” said McFadden. “At the start of the season, it was trying to find someone to fill that position. 

“But full credit to him, he has really taken his chance. On the ball, he has been brave, starting attacks and he is playing defence-splitting passes to Celtic players in attacking areas.

“He covers the game well. He has been excellent for Celtic. Fully deserves to be in his slot. And looks to be a strong partnership.”

Options for Rodgers at the back

Maik Nawrocki has played very little following his summer arrival, Nat Phillips is here until January but has also had his injury issues, Gustaf Lagerbielke was part of the win at Ibrox and Scales has been the standout performer. 

Then there is the main man Cameron Carter-Vickers, who you suspect will be one of the certain starters, but next to who?

Surely Scales can’t be dropped in this form? But then you have to use a player like Phillips given the quality of the on-loan Liverpool star.

Either way, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Rodgers rotates his centre-backs after the international break because the league and Champions League matches are going to come thick and fast.