Celtic defender Liam Scales has gone from strength to strength under Brendan Rodgers this term and looks to have taken his inspired club form to international level.
Towering centre-half Scales headed home for the Republic of Ireland against Finland last night to set the Boys in Green on to a Nations League victory in Helsinki that has ended their poor run of form.
Festy Ebosele’s brilliant work down the right set Robbie Brady up for a late winner, earning their first points in Group B League 2, setting them up nicely for an exciting clash against Greece next week in Piraeus on Sunday night.
With the verdict positive on how Scales played against Finland, it seems like there isn’t a challenge the Celtic man can’t rise to after his excellent start to the campaign for the Bhoys.
The reigning Scottish Premiership champions have kept six clean sheets in the league this term. Despite having the defensive side of the game locked down, there is another area the Wicklow-born defender would very much like to add to his game this campaign.
Liam Scales on the Celtic trait he is keen to add to his game
Speaking to The Irish Independent, Celtic man Scales has admitted he would like to add more goals to his game after taking his tally for club and country to three this season.
He stated, firstly on his effort against Finland: “You know the delivery is going to be brilliant from Rob, so we are just told to attack the spaces in between the defenders, and that’s what I did. Luckily it came into my area and it was just a perfect ball. The timing was good and I just managed to get it on target.
“I think it comes with a bit of experience as well. Sometimes, I play against defenders who are heavier and stronger, and you need to make use of your timing and speed to win those duels. I’m learning as I go along. I might now go on a big drought; you never know.
“Sometimes, the goals can come together, and then you don’t get any for a while. But if I can make the most of the chances I get, then I’ll be happy.
“That’s a few this season. I’ve got a few this season and I didn’t get many in the couple of seasons before. So it’s a good thing to add to my game, and hopefully, I can kick on now and get a few more. I suppose I work hard in the gym, so I’m stronger.
“I think it’s more about timing and delivery, and just getting it right and making sure you take the chance when you get it because you don’t get many as a defender, and it can be vital in big games, it can be a turning point for us.”
Liam Scales is now a pivotal Celtic asset under Brendan Rodgers
Taking his start to the season into context, Scales has become a pivotal asset at Celtic Park that has kicked on a level since his breakthrough campaign last year.
From a defensive perspective, his bread and butter, the 26-year-old has won 61 duels and claimed a 91.2% pass accuracy on league duty, helping to keep half a dozen shutouts.
Scales has also made 29 recoveries, illustrating his assured nature regardless of whether he is partnered with Cameron Carter-Vickers or Auston Trusty.
After becoming one of Brendan Rodgers’ biggest managerial ‘surprises’ in 2023/24, you can see why he is keen to go onto new heights this campaign.
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