Irish media react to Liam Scales display vs Greece as Celtic defender gets another big chance

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Celtic defender Liam Scales continues to build his international career with the Republic of Ireland, playing for all 90 minutes in Sunday night’s defeat to Greece.

The Greeks powered to a 2-0 Nations League win in Athens, following up on their surprise victory away to England on Thursday night.

It was a deserved win, with Ireland pinned into their own half for much of the first half before falling behind just after the interval.

A dangerous attack ensured Scales had a busy night on his hands with last-ditch defending and in-box interventions required to keep the home side to a 0-0 scoreline at half-time.

The Bhoys star was unfortunate to see a deflected Anastasios Bakasetas shot fly past Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Liverpool goalkeeper then made a passing blunder in stoppage time to gift Petros Mantalos a second.

Irish media have their say on Liam Scales vs Greece

Scales’ national press had good and bad points to raise about the Celtic defender’s performance.

His composure and ability to cut out threats were praised, along with his aerial strength. Overall, he produced a solid display that has not harmed his chances of winning more caps.

One outlet, The Irish Mirror, even considered him the pick of the bunch in the Irish backline on the night, giving him a rating of seven.

Journalist Mark McCadden said, “The best of Ireland’s defenders, with strong aerial and ground skills, and some important blocks. He almost got enough on the opener to send it spinning wide of the post, as the ball clipped his studs on the way to the net.”

The Irish Independent repeated that seven rating with Niall McIntyre stating, “Got himself in the way for two crucial early blocks as Greece pushed for the opener. A big tackle just before half-time stopped a bright Greece move at source. Unlucky that Bakasetas’ shot deflected off him into the net.”

Going for a score of 7.5, Eoin Harrington at Balls.ie said, “Robust early on, getting in several big blocks in the opening 10 minutes as Ireland weathered the storm from Greece. He was calm as the Greek pressure persisted during the first half, and was generally reliable at finding a solid outball.

“He was unfortunate to play a role in Bakasetas’ opener for Greece, which spun in off Scales’ foot. However, Scales was – along with Kelleher – a major reason Ireland went in level at the break to begin with.”

Alan Smith in the Irish Examiner was less kind, dishing out a six, to say, “Did his best to block Tasos Bakasetas’s shot but ended up diverting it into his own net. Too often found lunging desperately in the way of Greek attempts.”

Liam Scales’ numbers for Ireland vs Greece

Ireland now have matches at home to Finland and away to England in November, and the chances are strong that Scales will retain his place in the team, especially if Brendan Rodgers continues to trust him at club level.

Scales is by no means a perfect player, he has weaknesses, but his form at the start of this season has ensured he’s earned his spot in both the Celtic and Ireland starting eleven.

Since returning from his loan at Aberdeen, he’s had a remarkable rise in prominence over the last 18 months.

You’d be silly to write him off from improving further at this point, given his continued exposure to elite-level football and his ability to constantly learn and adapt to new challenges.

He’s bringing confidence back to Glasgow after a bright week with his country that also included his first international goal against Finland on Thursday night.