John Hartson shares why Liam Scales still has a ‘massive role’ to play at Celtic despite competition

Add as preferred source on Google

Liam Scales can count himself a little unfortunate not to have featured more for Celtic this season due to the emergence of Auston Trusty.

With his defensive counterpart arriving for £5 million in the summer, Trusty has established himself alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers as part of the defensive unit.

Despite his terrific early season form, Liam Scales has been in and out of the Celtic side this term, though has still racked up three goals and one assist in 19 appearances across all competitions.

Becoming a stalwart at international level, Scales has featured frequently for the Republic of Ireland and scored his first goal for the Boys in Green against Finland back in October.

While he battles for his Celtic place, John Hartson has told Brendan Rodgers why the Wicklow-born man could still be a vital asset at Parkhead.

John Hartson on Liam Scales’ importance to Celtic

Speaking to Off The Ball, Hartson thinks Scales still has a ‘massive role’ to play at Celtic and wouldn’t put it past the defender to oust Trusty for his place in the side.

He explained: “I don’t think that’s as cut and dry as maybe you think. I think Scales has put a marker down; he’s perfect for that left-hand side of defence. Carter-Vickers is very naturally right-sided, and I think Liam Scales has done terrifically well.

“I really, really do; I’m a big fan. I think he’s brave, he’s good on the ball, he comes out with it sometimes, he carries it and looks for a Celtic shirt. He’s a good passer of the ball; I think he recognises danger over the top really well. He’ll go and head it; he’s incredibly brave, and he’ll head it in both boxes.

“I like him; I think he’s done very, very well. I think he’s played quite a few times this season, and I’m not sure. Trusty cost £5 million from Sheffield United, I think when a new player signs they sometimes get the nod for a while, like Engels got the nod. Irrespective, he’s got no say in that, what he’s transferred for.

“Well, I think Liam Scales has got a massive role for Celtic. I think he can fit in alongside Carter-Vickers every single day of the week, I think he’s good enough and it’s not a gimme that Carter-Vickers is forming this partnership with Trusty.”

Patience could be a virtue for Liam Scales

Patience is one of the pillars you need to abide by in football, especially as a central defender amid managers being prone to trust a solid partnership for as long as the two men in question can combine efficiently.

However, injuries or losses in form can occur. Scales hasn’t been omitted due to anything ability-related; he is still very much a reliable option for Celtic.

Simply put, he needs to wait his turn, and it’ll come eventually. The Irishman is here for the long haul, but playing for a club of such stature always comes with challenges along the way.