Liam Scales’ Celtic persistence lauded as Nathan Collins shares why he was always set for great heights

Add as preferred source on Google

The international break is now upon us as Celtic enjoy some well-deserved time off before the return of club football next weekend.

Maintaining their unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership, Brendan Rodgers and his Bhoys saw off Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in a match where substance trumped style for the most part in Ayrshire.

Despite Auston Trusty being preferred by the Irishman in recent weeks, Liam Scales came back into contention last Sunday amid his excellent start to the campaign.

Helping to keep yet another clean sheet, he will feel a point was proven to the manager on an afternoon where Celtic had to navigate sustained pressure to claim all three points.

Now on international duty, Scales will hope to finish Ireland’s Nations League campaign in style as they take on Finland and Ireland in their latest block of international fixtures.

Opening up on his teammate, Nathan Collins has had some kind words to say on the former Shamrock Rovers’ man’s rise to prominence at Parkhead.

Nathan Collins on why Liam Scales was always set for stardom

Intriguingly, Collins has extensive prior knowledge of Scales due to his brother playing alongside the defender at UCD.

Speaking to The Irish Mirror, the Irishman has lifted the lid on why the Celtic man was always someone he though of as a ‘top player’ due to his attributes, as he said: “I‘ve watched Scalesy play since I was 14. He played centre-back at UCD with my brother, so I’ve always seen how good he was. He was aggressive, good on the ball, and his hair, you’ll always remember that!

“Going through the League of Ireland and getting the move to Celtic, he’s always had the qualities of a top player, so it’s no surprise to me. He’s been very patient and it’s a credit to himself how nice a fella he is. He really deserves this and has been taking it by the scruff of the neck.

“I know he’s there, I know I can give him the ball and I know he’ll win his headers. It makes my life easier when someone like that is playing beside me.”

Liam Scales will relish the battle for his place at Celtic

While Trusty has been a recent starter beside Cameron Carter-Vickers, there is no reason to believe Scales will be keen for things to stay that was as the campaign continues to evolve.

Ultimately, his story at Celtic has been one of grit and determination. Admittedly, an injury crisis at centre-back last season helped his cause, but he has grasped every opportunity along the way to make his mark.

Competition defines a great side and the Irishman has time on his side to oust Trusty for the left-sided centre-back slot. A lot of football is still to be played, so expect the situation to fluctuate over time.