There have been many changes to Celtic’s backline this season, too many to allow Brendan Rodgers to have any stability in such a crucial part of the pitch.
From Cameron Carter-Vickers’ injuries, Greg Taylor recently picking up a knock and the likes of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki seemingly being deemed not good enough.
The only constant and reliable performer has been Liam Scales and not many Celtic fans would have thought that would be a reality back in the summer.
In recent matches, the Irishman has played alongside Maik Nawrocki at the heart of Celtic’s defence, whilst he started alongside Stephen Welsh over the win against Rangers.
Then there is left-back Alexandro Bernabei, who has been handed rare starts because of Greg Taylor’s absence and Liam Scales spoke about having to play in such a chopping and changing backline.
The 25-year-old did label his above teammates as ‘top players’ and how it’s ‘not difficult to play alongside them’, as he told his pre-match press conference.
With a trip to Easter Road to take on Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night, there is every chance Liam Scales starts alongside Maik Nawrocki, with Alexandro Bernabei at left-back.
Maik Nawrocki, Alexandro Bernabei and Stephen Welsh at Celtic
“It’s chopping and changing a bit in the last few games,” said Scales. “But I think all the players you mentioned, they are all top players.
“It’s not difficult to play beside any of them. If you want consistency, then it hasn’t really been there in the backline, as in personnel-wise.
“But they have all come in and done good jobs and played well, so it hasn’t really been an issue, for me. It’s been good to experience playing alongside different people, finding out the best way to play with them and how they play.”
Liam Scales is Mr. Reliable
Celtic spent a lot of money on centre-backs in the summer, yet it’s a previously loaned-out player who is shining above them all.
If it wasn’t for Carter-Vickers picking up another injury, then Lagerbielke would have probably been let go in January, with Michael Stewart reacting to the ridiculous nature of his situation.
Either way, it has all forced Scales further into the spotlight and he has taken it with both hands.
His performances prove that the club need to tread carefully next time when splashing cash because, when it came to Celtic’s centre-back answers after Carter-Vickers, the answer was starring them right in the face.
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