Liam Scales has been Celtic’s standout player this season and now, the Irishman is taking his Parkhead form to his country after the Republic of Ireland sent Portugal packing in Dublin.
The Celtic defender was in sparkling form as Ireland beat Portugal 2-0 with Scales playing a starring role in humbling Cristiano Ronaldo’s side.
For Celtic this season, Scales has been immense as he helps keep the Parkhead club within touching distance of Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
And for the Republic of Ireland last night, the Celtic star was superb as the Irish media laud Scales as he helped send Portugal packing and keep their 2026 World Cup dream alive with the 2-0 win.
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Irish media hail Celtic hero Liam Scales’ ‘key role’ as Ireland beat Portugal
Scales is probably the most under-rated player at Celtic right now but for his country, the Irishman is receiving all the plaudits as Cristiano Ronaldo saw red in the Dublin defeat.
Balls.ie: “The Celtic man played a key role in the opening goal, providing the header back across goal for Parrott in the penalty area. He did his bit at the back too with some key defensive interventions.”
RTE: “Asked to fill in at left wing-back, and the Celtic man delivered. Up against Joao Cancelo, Scales did such a good job that his opposite number was withdrawn at half-time for Nelson Semedo. He also chipped in with an assist for Troy Parrott’s crucial opening goal.”
The Irish Times: “By a distance his best game for Ireland. Looks so composed now, unhurried in possession and imposing in the air. Excellent header back across goal for Parrott’s first goal.”
Irish Mirror: “Targeted early doors, recovered and was dangerous on set-pieces.” Don’t know what game those guys were watching!
The 42: “There was some pressure on the Celtic man this evening as he had to come into the team for the suspended Ryan Manning. And while he may not be as technically proficient as the Galway native, his defensive solidity enhanced the Irish backline.”
Irish Sun: “An assist for Troy Parrott’s opener and some lovely balls forward from left back. Did a good job to ensure Portugal never got in behind him on the left as Ireland gave up nothing defensively.”
Celtic star Liam Scales’ superb stats as Republic of Ireland humble Portugal
The Irish media may well be falling over themselves about Scales but did his performance match the plaudits?
According to football ratings site Fotmob, the Celtic defender was superb.
- Minutes played: 86
- Rating: 8.2
- Assists: 1
- Accurate passes: 12/19 (63%)
- Chances created: 2
- Touches: 32
- Touches in opposition box: 5
- Successful dribbles: 1/1 (100%)
- Passes into final third: 2
- Clearances: 2
- Headed clearance: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Recoveries: 5
- Ground duels won: 2/5 (40%)
- Aerial duels won: 3/3 (100%)
Next up for Scales is a crucial World Cup qualifier for Ireland against Hungary where a win will put the Irish in 2nd place and into next summer’s tournament.
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