James McPake says fans had ‘written off’ Celtic star, but Brendan Rodgers has now transformed him

Add as preferred source on Google

Nothing much has changed from Brendan Rodgers’ first spell in Celtic colours to his current one.

It’s the same old story. Rodgers lifting another title and now pushing for another Treble. 

One of the great strengths of the Irishman’s coaching is his ability to improve players, no matter what shape they are put on the table for him.

From big-money transfers, players who come in for little money, those already at the club, or those coming through the academy.

Daizen Maeda’s game has transformed, Matt O’Riley played his best football under Rodgers, and Alistair Johnston is as consistent as anyone.

Those are just a few names, as James McPake wanted to give his flowers to another man part of Celtic’s defence.

• READ MORE: Andy Halliday defends what he is hearing about Liam Scales despite Celtic winning again

Celtic told Liam Scales has transformed under Brendan Rodgers

When Rodgers returned to Celtic during the summer of 2023, Liam Scales had just come back from his loan spell at Aberdeen and was expected to head for the exit door again.

But injuries to the backline opened the door for Scales to start, and since then, he has continued to grow in the green and white colours.

McPake told Go Radio how the Republic of Ireland international was ‘written off’ by the Celtic Park faithful, but now he has improved tenfold. 

“I think since he has gone back to Celtic from that spell at Aberdeen, he has been excellent,” said McPake. “He really has.

“Played in some big games as well. Excellent in Europe. Excellent in big, big games. Questions would have gone over him.

“Obviously, Brendan is working with him every day. I think Scales is one that Brendan needs a lot of credit for, in terms of the way (he has improved), because a lot of Celtic fans had written him off for his performances.

“They were saying, particularly for the bigger games and for the European games, that he was nowhere near good enough, but he has come in and shown that he is, so having him back is a bonus for Celtic.”

Scales’ stats for Celtic this season

You would be surprised to hear that Scales is Celtic’s highest-rated player this term, even though Maeda is scoring for fun and captain Callum McGregor is still running the show.

In truth, Scales has been in and out of the XI during that time, for injury and form issues, but he has had many great moments.

From his performance away at Alanata in the Champions League to helping Celtic turn the League Cup final against Rangers around last December.

Either way, WhoScored have rated Scales’ Premiership performances at nearly eight.