New Celtic signing Liam Scales has explained the shock that came over him at being given the opportunity to join Ange Postecoglou’s Parkhead revolution.
Scales is one of the new recruits this season after breaking through and impressing with Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland. The young Irishman was also handed a call-up to Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland squad last month.
The Celtic support is extremely interested in seeing what the talented defender can offer. Especially after a promising-looking debut against Raith Rovers a couple of weeks ago.
And Scales has explained how shocked he was to have been given a move to Celtic in the first place as he stated why the move dragged on a touch.
As quoted by Pundit Arena, Scales said: “I heard there was there were clubs interested, and it was the start of August when we started to get a few phone calls. Out of the blue, the Celtic one came in. It wasn’t just a phone call saying there’s interest [from Celtic], it was a phone call saying the club, accepted a bid from Celtic. It was up to me then to go and negotiate.
“It’s such a big club, and I could barely believe it. I was just over the moon. Once it came in, I was happy with it. My advisor did all the work for me and he helped me out with the move and he got it over the line.
“It was agreed between Celtic and Shamrock Rovers that I’d stay and play a couple of the European games for Rovers. It dragged on a little bit longer than most transfers, but it was only because of the agreement between Celtic and Rovers. Once it came in I was pretty set on it.”
Liam Scales surely ready for Celtic opportunity
Many will have raised an eyebrow when Scales was signed in the summer. Not because of the player’s talent, but because we took a rare plunge into the League of Ireland.
It’s hardly the most reputable division in Europe. But Celtic clearly see the talent emerging from Ireland’s domestic league as improving. We’ve also been linked with the likes of Johnny Kenny and Killian Phillips too [Irish Independent].
As for Scales, the initial signs against Raith showed a no-nonsense defender capable of doing the basics right. Potentially the sign of a dependable option in the future.
It’s surprising he hasn’t had more of a chance in the first-team as of yet. Especially when you consider the fact Greg Taylor is out and Boli Bolingoli is nowhere near contention.
But he was signed for a reason. We all have to believe that opportunity will come. It looks as though he has the talent to make a strong impression here. All we can do as supporters is wait patiently for the chance to see that skill in action.
Hopefully, we’re set for a big few months from Scales as he gets settled into life in Glasgow.
In other news, Report: Celtic could extend Greg Taylor’s contract by 2 or 3 years
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