Liam Scales enjoyed a fine afternoon against Rangers last weekend as Celtic laid down a marker to their rivals in a dominant 3-0 victory.
The 26-year-old has helped the Bhoys keep four consecutive Scottish Premiership clean sheets so far, continuing his excellent partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers after breaking into the side last term.
Now on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, Scales hopes to play his part as the Boys in Green face England and Greece in the Nations League.
Under new management with Heimir Hallgrimsson at the helm, there is optimism that Ireland could be about to embark on a new era after a frustrating couple of years under Stephen Kenny.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Scales has described what it will be like to be involved in the rivalry against England so soon after his exploits in the Glasgow Derby.
Liam Scales on facing England in the Nations League
Per SportsJOE on X, Scales has confidence that he is the first Celtic player ever to face Rangers one week and Rangers the next, but he is looking forward to the ‘brilliant’ experience of facing the Three Lions at the Aviva Stadium.
He explained: “It’s probably never happened before that a player will have Rangers one weekend and then England the next, so it’s as good as it gets and hopefully do as well as we did on the weekend against Rangers.
“I hope we can bring that in, obviously, with Ireland against England, so it’ll be the first one I’ve been involved in. I know we played them a few years ago, but it’s hugely important and the history and everything that comes with it. The atmosphere will probably be brilliant, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Cited via The Irish Mirror, Scales also revealed that there will be no split loyalties in his family despite his father hailing from London. When asked what end of the stadium his dad would be in, he stated: “The Irish end, definitely. If I can get tickets. They’re very expensive. That’s an issue as well. But he will be in the Irish end and that’s it, yeah. He’s from London, the centre of London really.
“He is fully invested in my career for so many years now that it’s not even a choice for him. He used to bring us to the Irish games when we were kids and he has followed Irish football longer than me. That won’t be a difficult choice for him.”
Liam Scales continues to go from strength to strength
Isn’t it crazy to think that Scales had only started his ascent to where he is now this time last year? Despite being previously being a peripheral figure at Celtic, he has now made 63 appearances for the club, scoring four times and registering five assists.
Nevertheless, his defensive qualities are why he is a trusted presence under Brendan Rodgers. The former Shamrock Rovers man was a constant in the Bhoys’ successes last term and looks set to play an important role this time around.
Auston Trusty’s arrival will provide Scales with competition for his place. Regardless, as long as the Irishman continues in the same vein of form, Celtic’s newest defensive addition will have a fight on his hands to force his way into the side.
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