Pat Bonner rejects BBC man’s claim over why he sticks up for Celtic defender Liam Scales

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Liam Scales has had a strange season at Celtic this year.

Not because he’s underperformed, but the introduction of Auston Trusty in the summer consigned Scales to the Celtic bench for much of this season.

However, whenever Brendan Rodgers has called on the Republic of Ireland international, Scales has never let the Celtic manager down.

And after Scales got his first 90 minutes under his belt in Celtic’s win over Kilmarnock since the 3-0 defeat to Rangers at the New Year, Pat Bonner stepped in to defend the Irishman and rejected a BBC man’s Liam MacLeod’s suggestion over his motive for doing so.

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Pat Bonner denies defending Celtic’s Liam Scales because he’s Irish

Bonner was running the rule over Scales’ performance as Celtic destroyed Kilmarnock and said that the reason he likes the defender is because how he went from almost be a reject at Parkhead to one of Brendan Rodgers’ most important players.

Bonner told BBC Radio Scotland, “Scales is a big lad, don’t underestimate him. He’s a big, thin lad, but he’s improved in the air; there’s no doubt for me.

“He’s had that injury to his face, but that didn’t put him off on that occasion to get up there and challenge Joe Wright and I think he used his elbow just in the back of his head, and that’s what sort of Joe Wright goes down against gets the free kick.”

MacLeod: “Understandably as well, Packie, he loves backing the Irish players. You’ll be disappointed Adam Idah’s going off without getting on the score sheet.”

Bonner: “Yeah. Well, listen, you know, it’s not so much they’re Irish…”

MacLeod: “Oh, don’t deny it, you’ve told me before!”

Bonner: “No, listen, I want to see our young Irish players do well and get games week in, week out, and when they get down to international level, they’re sharp, and they’re able to perform for us.

“But in general terms, my argument with Scales is that it was his consistency and the way that he’s come back from being almost out of the club into a position where he’s been really, really good.

“So, I’ll back him up. Listen, if you’re not performing, I’ll criticise the same as every, every other time.”

Where Liam Scales’ season ranks vs Celtic hero Cameron Carter-Vickers

Liam Scales has made 22 appearances for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this season and despite most of those coming from the bench, the Irishman remains one of Rodgers’ most consistent players.

So, with that in mind, where does Scales’ performances rank against the likes of Celtic hero Cameron Carter-Vickers? According to Fotmob, the Irishman is the Hoops’ top player this season.

Does Scales have a long-term future at Celtic as Rodgers’ first-choice centre-back? Probably not. But what he has done is become an important squad player for the Hoops manager and as every fan knows, that’s one of the most important roles at the club.